What gram-negative rod is commonly found in burn infections?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the gram-negative rod most commonly associated with burn infections. This bacterium is opportunistic and thrives in moist environments, making it particularly adept at colonizing damaged skin and open wounds. In burn patients, the compromised integrity of the skin provides a suitable entry point for various pathogens, but Pseudomonas aeruginosa is especially concerning due to its resistance to many antibiotics and its ability to form biofilms. This resistance and its virulence factors—including enzymes and toxins—contribute to prolonged infections and increased morbidity in burn patients.

In contrast, other options present distinct characteristics: Escherichia coli primarily causes urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal issues, while Clostridium perfringens is more commonly associated with gas gangrene in traumatic injuries rather than burns. Staphylococcus aureus, while a significant pathogen in skin and soft tissue infections, is not a gram-negative rod and does not typically present the same resistance profiles as Pseudomonas in the context of burn wounds. This makes Pseudomonas aeruginosa the most relevant organism to consider in the context of burn infections.