Microbiology · Gram-Negative Bacteria — Neisseria, Haemophilus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces greenish-blue pigmentation in culture. The pigment responsible for the blue-green colour is:

  • A Pyocyanin
  • B Pyoverdine (fluorescein)
  • C Pyorubrin
  • D Pyomelanin
Correct answer: A. Pyocyanin

Explanation

P. aeruginosa produces multiple pigments; pyocyanin (blue-green) is the most characteristic and is responsible for the blue-green colour of infected wounds and culture media. Pyoverdine (fluorescein) is a yellow-green fluorescent siderophore that also contributes to fluorescence under UV light but is not responsible for the gross blue-green colour. Pyorubrin is a red pigment produced by some strains. Pyomelanin is a brownish pigment. Pyocyanin is also a virulence factor (generates reactive oxygen species, inhibits mucociliary clearance).

Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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