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Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: a serious and rare complication in patients suffering from burns

Maria Dalamaga1, Konstantinos Karmaniolas, Charilaos Chavelas

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, NIMTS General Hospital, Athens, Greece. dalamaga-chavelas@ath.forthnet.gr

Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
|October 15, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a significant nosocomial pathogen, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This case highlights a severe, generalized infection in a burn patient, emphasizing the need for prompt antibiotic treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Burn Care

Background:

  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen frequently associated with healthcare-associated infections.
  • While rarely causing severe infections, it poses a significant threat to immunocompromised patients.

Observation:

  • This report details a rare case of generalized Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection.
  • The infection encompassed bacteremia, wound infection, and respiratory tract infection in a burn patient.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported instance of a generalized S. maltophilia infection in a burn victim.
  • The bacterium was isolated from blood cultures, wound, and respiratory samples.

Implications:

  • The emergence of S. maltophilia as a nosocomial pathogen, especially in burn patients, requires heightened clinical awareness.
  • Blood culture isolation of S. maltophilia necessitates immediate and appropriate antibiotic therapy to manage severe infections.

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