Last week, a significant company for baby bath and wellness products recalled two lots of their baby bubble bath due to the potential of some of them becoming contaminated with bacteria known as Pluralibacter Gergoviae. Though these bacteria rarely affect adults, they may pose serious health risks to infants and toddlers, the primary receivers of the contaminated product.
Pluralibacter gergoviae is a member of the family Enterobacteriaceae and genus plurabacter. Pluralibacter gergoviae is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium. It was first isolated from the floor of a hospital in Gergovia, Italy, and received the name after the location where researchers discovered it. Pluralibacter gergoviae is a non-spore-forming, aerobic bacterium. Its cells are typically 0.5-1.0 micrometers in length and 0.2-0.3 micrometers in width. The organism is motile, with peritrichous flagella. It can grow at temperatures between 10 and 40 degrees Celsius, with an optimum growth temperature of 30 degrees Celsius.
Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria is associated with several human infections, including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. The most common illness related to pluralibacter gergoviae is bronchopneumonia. This type of pneumonia occurs when the pluralibacter gergoviae bacterium infects the lungs.
Causes of Pluribacter Gergoviae Infection
There are numerous potential causes of infection with pluralibacter gergoviae. One cause may be exposure to contaminated water, since the pluralibacter gergoviae bacterium is common in water sources, such as lakes and rivers. It is also in contaminated food, such as poultry or eggs not cooked properly. In addition, the bacterium spreads through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs or countertops.
Another potential cause of infection with pluralibacter gergoviae is exposure to airborne bacteria. This spread can occur when a person breathes in the air that contains the bacterium. The bacterium can also spread through contact with infected people or animals.
Pluralibacter Gergoviae Infection Symptoms and Diagnosis
Pluralibacter Gergoviae Infection Symptoms can vary depending on the individual. Pluralibacter Gergoviae bronchopneumonia typically presents with fever, chills, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases of Pluralibacter Gergoviae bacteria can lead to respiratory failure and death. Early diagnosis and treatment of Pluralibacter Gergoviae Infection are critical to a positive outcome.
If an individual notices any of the following Pluralibacter Gergoviae infection symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider right away:
- Fever or chills
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue and weakness
A Pluralibacter Gergoviae infection typically gets diagnosed by taking a sample of the patient’s blood, sputum, or another bodily fluid and then testing it for the presence of the bacterium. The doctor may also order a chest X-ray to check for evidence of pneumonia. If Pluribacter gergoviae infection is suspected, the patient will likely require hospitalization to receive immediate treatment and stay monitored.
Pluralibacter Gergoviae Treatment and Prevention
There is currently no vaccine available for Pluralibacter Gergoviae infection. However, Pluralibacter Gergoviae can get treated with antibiotics. A healthcare provider will typically prescribe oral or intravenous antibiotics to treat the Pluralibacter Gergoviae infection. Antibiotics may be given as pills or in liquid form, depending on how severe the Pluralibacter Gergoviae infection is and the patient’s age and overall health.
It is essential to finish all antibiotic prescriptions as directed by a healthcare provider, even if the patient starts to feel better before completing the entire course of treatment. Stopping treatment too early may increase the risk of developing a pluralibacter gergoviae infection again.
Along with antibiotics, a person can make several lifestyle changes to prevent Pluralibacter gergoviae infection and improve their overall health:
- Avoid close contact with individuals who have a respiratory infection or other contagious illnesses.
Staying well hydrated and getting plenty of rest.- Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Practicing good hygiene habits, including washing hands regularly with soap and water.
- Quitting smoking, as smoking may increase the risk of Pluralibacter gergoviae infection.
With early diagnosis and proper treatment, medical professionals can successfully treat Pluralibacter Gergoviae infection, and most individuals recover quickly and thoroughly. However, Pluralibacter Gergoviae infection may persist or recur in some cases, so it is vital to take precautions to reduce the risk of future Pluralibacter Gergoviae infections.
