Pathogens
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Precautions

See 'Additional Information'

General Information

Aerobic non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli

May be acquired from diverse environmental sources (e.g. tap water).

Patients with bronchiectasis may be colonized (e.g. CF patients).

Must distinguish colonization from clinically significant infection.

Most common reason for positive culture is colonization of the respiratory tract.

Most common true infections:

  • Blood stream infection (usually from vascular catheter)
  • Pneumonia

Other rare manifestations:

  • Endocarditis
  • Sinusitis
  • Cellulitis

May require contact precautions.

True pneumonia more likely in ICU and oncology patients, and in those of advanced age and after/during treatment with broad spectrum antimicrobial use.