Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia in Blood Stream Infections – An Overview

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) is an emerging, multidrug resistant, pathogenic non-fermenting gram-negative bacillus in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. As this organism is ubiquitous in nature, it is reported to cause hospital acquired as well as community acquired infections. It has been linked to a wide range of diseases, such as pneumonia, blood stream infections, urinary tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, meningitis, bone and joint infections and eye infections. The significance of S. maltophilia is well documented because of its distinct antibiotic susceptibility pattern from other Non Fermenting Gram Negative Bacilli (NFGNB). As no single medication is sufficiently effective against all NFGNBs, which in turn delays the start of suitable empirical treatment and raises morbidity and mortality, accurate identification, especially of S. maltophilia is crucial. Though various rapid identification methods are available, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of fight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), enables more accurate identification of these troublesome pathogens resulting in the initiation of appropriate treatment without delay. Reports on MALDI-TOF analysis of S. maltophilia is lacking from our country.