Pseudomonas folliculitis: an outbreak and review

Rev Infect Dis. 1983 Jan-Feb;5(1):1-8. doi: 10.1093/clinids/5.1.1.

Abstract

In November 1980, an outbreak of folliculitis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurred in members of a health spa in Tennessee. The source of infection was traced to the health spa swimming pool, which had not been chlorinated for two days due to equipment malfunction. Thirty-seven (62%) of 60 members who used the swimming pool on these two days developed a papulopustular rash within eight hours to five days after swimming in the pool. The rash had a characteristic distribution, predominantly involving the buttocks, hips, and axillae. Other manifestations of infection included otitis externa (49%) and mastitis (11%). P. aeruginosa serogroup 0-11 was isolated from pustules of six people. A swab from the edge of the swimming pool also grew P. aeruginosa serogroup 0-11. With the rising popularity of home whirlpools and hot tubs, physicians may expect to encounter this disease with increasing frequency.

MeSH terms

  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Female
  • Folliculitis / diagnosis*
  • Folliculitis / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Otitis Externa / diagnosis
  • Otitis Externa / epidemiology
  • Pseudomonas Infections / diagnosis*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / epidemiology
  • Swimming Pools
  • Tennessee