Colonization of patients with spinal cord injury with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae at different institutions.

Colonization of patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae was studied in patients with spinal cord injury at two institutions in Los Angeles County. The method of care of patients was similar at both institutions. A high prevalence of perineal colonization with P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae and similar serotypes of Pseudomonas were seen at both institutions. This colonization probably reflects the type of bladder management in patients with spinal cord injury. It would be of interest to examine other facilities to determine if colonization is influenced by techniques or local factors.