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Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia

In: General Discussion
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MS

Hi Everyone,

I just got my sputum sample results from lab and it shows I have heavy amounts of  pseudomonas and steno in my lungs. 

I’m now on max dose oral Cipro.

Is this pneumonia? And will I likely have to go on another antibiotic to get rid of Steno? I get mixed diagnosis from my pulmonologist who I’m ready to drop any minute. Appreciate anyone’s comments.

Latest Activity: 15 hours ago
1 Replies

Replies

K

Mike,

Hello! What symptoms are you experiencing?

Lab results alone do not paint the full picture of what’s going on. Health care providers look for specific indicators of disease to differentiate the two states of colonization vs. infection. 

Colonization means that these bugs are hanging out in your respiratory tract, infection/ pneumonia means that these bugs are causing trouble in your respiratory tract. 

Lab tests such as a cell blood count, CRP , proinflammatory cytokines are produced more acutely during an active infection,  impacting vital signs - your temperature, chills, heart rate, respiratory rate.

Active pneumonia signs typically include severe difficulty breathing, a productive cough, fatigue, and more.

Chest X-rays and or a chest cat scan will give your health care provider a better idea of what is going on.

The sputum culture and sensitivity tests will guide your health care provider to determine if Cipro will cover both of these bacteria. Cipro is good for Pseudomonas, Levofloxacin is better for Steno. I am not a doctor, my words are from personal experiences. Your health care provider needs to look at the whole picture.

Below is a link to BNTM Care Centers- you just need to plug in your zip code to see if there is a care center near you.

https://social.bronchandntm.org/directory/find-a-bronchiectasis-and-ntm-center

I hope that you find a doctor who you feel will help you feel better soon. 


Latest Activity: 15 hours ago

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