Final answer:
Pseudomonas infections often occur in individuals with weakened immune systems, particularly in hospital settings or those with medical implants, and can lead to serious conditions like bacterial pneumonia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pseudomonas infections usually occur in hospitals and/or in individuals with weakened immune systems. The pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative, oxidase-positive, aerobic bacillus that commonly causes opportunistic infections in such susceptible populations. This microorganism is known to cause a variety of conditions such as wound and burn infections, hot tub rash, and bacterial pneumonia, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) or those with medical implants like catheters.
P. aeruginosa is notorious for its resistance to antibiotics and the ability to produce harmful exotoxins. In hospital environments, it can lead to ventilator-associated pneumonia through contaminated equipment. This pathogen thrives in the lungs of CF patients due to excess mucus which inhibits the mucociliary escalator. Furthermore, P. aeruginosa is adept at forming biofilms on indwelling medical devices, increasing the risk of infection.