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[Infections caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SMA) in intensive care patients--a prospective case-control

M Raffenberg1, T Szymanski, A Lubasch

  • 1Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Zentralklinik Emil von Behring, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Freien Universität Berlin. haloheck@zedat.fu-berlin.de

Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|May 31, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SMA) infections in intensive care units (ICUs) are linked to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), extended ICU stays, and carbapenem antibiotic use. These factors increase the risk of developing these difficult-to-treat nosocomial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Context:

  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SMA) is an increasingly significant pathogen in severe nosocomial infections.
  • Polyresistant strains of SMA pose a growing challenge in healthcare settings.

Purpose:

  • To identify independent risk factors for nosocomial infections caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SMA).
  • To analyze the association between patient characteristics, treatment, and SMA acquisition in an intensive care unit (ICU).

Summary:

  • A prospective study in an ICU identified severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), prolonged length of stay, and prior carbapenem therapy as independent risk factors for SMA infections.
  • Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations, with 15 potential risk factors initially identified.
  • Four out of 16 patients with SMA infections died, highlighting the severity of these nosocomial infections.

Impact:

  • Findings emphasize the need for targeted infection control strategies in ICUs, particularly for patients with COPD.
  • Understanding these risk factors can guide antibiotic stewardship and reduce the incidence of SMA-related morbidity and mortality.
  • The study contributes to the knowledge base for managing polyresistant bacterial infections in critical care settings.

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