[Effects of hyperbaric oxygenation in skin and pulmonary infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa].

About 80% of nosocomial infections are caused by aerobic bacteria. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium pertaining to the Pseudomonadaceae family. P. aeruginosa is responsible for 6-22% of all hospital infections. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy of both hyperbaric oxygen-therapy (HBO 2 Atm x 35 min/day) alone for 8 days and when associated to the chemoantibiotic therapy (amikacine 15 mg/kg/day for 8 days intraperitoneal), in rats infected through pulmonary and subcutaneous intake. In rats affected by P. aeruginosa, HBO induces a significant reduction in mortality and morbility with bacteria eradication in blood culture findings, bronchial aspirate and skin biopsies. These effects were increased by the use of amikacine which is an antibiotic used for the treatment of Gram-negative bacteria.