The Curious Clinicians
105 - Grapes of Pseudomonas's Wrath
Feb 20, 2025
Dive into the curious world of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the gram-negative bacterium known for its grape-like aroma. Discover the historical roots of this intriguing organism and how its smell has impacted microbiology diagnostics. Learn about the timeless olfactory skills of microbiologists, who can identify bacteria by scent. Unravel the mystery of 2-aminoacetophenone (2AA), a compound linked to both cystic fibrosis and the off flavors in spoiled wine. It’s a fascinating blend of science, smell, and a dash of winemaking!
21:18
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Quick takeaways
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa emits a distinct grape-like odor due to the volatile compound 2-aminoacetaphenone, aiding in its identification in microbiology labs.
- The presence of 2-aminoacetaphenone in breath samples of cystic fibrosis patients serves as a reliable biomarker for Pseudomonas colonization, impacting clinical management.
Deep dives
The Connection Between Pseudomonas and Grapes
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a gram-negative bacterium known for its association with various infections, particularly in patients with compromised immune systems. One intriguing characteristic of this bacterium is its distinct grape-like odor, attributed to a volatile compound called 2-aminoacetaphenone, or 2AA. This association dates back to the bacterium's early isolation in 1882 by Carl Gissard, who noted the blue-green pus that frequently contained Pseudomonas in burn patients. The unique smell has led to its recognition as an identifier in microbiology labs, where professionals could use their sense of smell to hypothesize the presence of Pseudomonas even before more advanced identification methods were available.
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