Pseudomonas may not be a risk for healthy people

Pseudomonas, a type of gamma proteobacteria which is scarily called a superbug, is now thought to be of very little threat to healthy people.

This type of bacteria is largely found in soil, stagnant water and groundwater.

Only a couple of months ago, pseudomonas had tragic effects at a neonatal unit in Bristol, where a premature baby died and 12 others were given treatment.

Back in August when this sad event occurred, doctors were adamant that everything possible must be done to minimise the risks of this happening again.

"In light of experience in other neonatal ICUs where this has happened, North Bristol NHS Trust immediately put in place measures to review infection control procedures in the unit and minimise the risk to other babies," Dr Chris Burton, medical director of the North Bristol NHS Trust told BBC News.

As well as other strict measures, more regular testing and enhanced cleaning regimes were part of the plan to get the hospital back on track.

"Following the discovery of the bacteria, the agency has provided advice and support to North Bristol NHS Trust to help protect the health of babies in the unit," Dr Mark Evans, from the Health Protection Agency, said.

The results of the research have revealed that pseudomonas is no risk to people whose immune systems are fit and healthy.

Instead pseudomonas is only likely to affect people who already have a weakened immune system and are more susceptible to illness.

"It is a recognised healthcare associated infection that affects people with weakened immune systems," Dr Mark Evans has said.

This explains why the babies in the unit were so affected, as their immune systems are not yet developed to deal with this kind of illness.

"The people most at risk are those with depleted immune systems such as cancer patients, people with severe burns and premature babies in neonatal units," Dr Evans concludes.