A prospective study of microbiological characterization and clinical facets of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a multidrug resistant opportunistic pathogen, which is normally present in hospital settings and has very high mortality rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted over a period of two years. The specimens were processed by Gram staining and aerobic culture. The bacteria were isolated using standard protocols. The extent of antibiotic resistance of commonly used antimicrobials and biofilm production were studied in the isolates. RESULTS: A total of 80 strains of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were isolated. The maximum sensitivity (93.8%) of these isolates was noticed for cotrimoxazole. 63.7% of strains were strong biofilm producers. The group given pathogen specific antibiotic showed better prognosis (P value ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and proper management of cases infected with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is important to avoid therapeutic failures.