Following a third-degree burn, what organism is most likely to cause a deep tissue infection?

After a third-degree burn, the skin barrier is significantly compromised, making the underlying tissues highly susceptible to infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is particularly known for its ability to thrive in moist environments and is often found in hospitals and areas where there are wounds or burns. This organism has various virulence factors that include the production of biofilms, which allow it to adhere to surfaces and resist phagocytosis, as well as enzymes and toxins that can cause further tissue damage.

Patients with burns have damaged skin which provides an optimal growth environment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Plus, this organism is associated with polymicrobial infections in burn wounds and has a high rate of antibiotic resistance, making infections challenging to treat.

While Clostridium perfringens can cause infections in necrotic tissue, such as in deep traumatic wounds, its association is more common with gas gangrene. Conversely, although Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli can also infect burn wounds, they are generally less commonly associated with deep infections following severe thermal injury compared to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus, given the nature of the third-degree burn and the typical pathogens involved in such cases, Pseudomonas aeruginosa