Hot tub-associated necrotizing pneumonia due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

We describe a case of severe necrotizing pneumonia due to community-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cultures of fluid obtained from the filter of the patient's hot tub grew the same P. aeruginosa strain as that grown from culture of the patient's sputum. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines should be strictly followed for hot tub maintenance to prevent P. aeruginosa overgrowth: the range of free chlorine levels in the water should be kept at 1-3 mg/L, and the pH should be kept at 7.2-7.8.