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Published on: February 23, 2014

Intensive care unit-acquired Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: incidence, risk factors, and outcome

Saad Nseir1, Christophe Di Pompeo, Hélène Brisson

  • 1Intensive Care Unit, Calmette Hospital, University Hospital of Lille, boulevard du Pr Leclercq, 59037 Lille cedex, France. s-nseir@chru-lille.fr

Critical Care (London, England)
|October 10, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and longer antibiotic use. This infection increases patient mortality and ICU stay duration.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired infections pose significant challenges.
  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen often associated with healthcare settings.
  • Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors for ICU-acquired S. maltophilia is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of ICU-acquired Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
  • To identify independent risk factors associated with ICU-acquired S. maltophilia.
  • To evaluate the impact of ICU-acquired S. maltophilia on patient outcomes, including mortality and length of stay.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective observational case-control study conducted in a 30-bed ICU over three years.
  • Included immunocompetent patients hospitalized for >48 hours, excluding those with specific Gram-negative bacilli on admission.
  • Screening for non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NF-GNB) using various samples; statistical analyses performed to identify risk factors and outcomes.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of ICU-acquired S. maltophilia colonization/infection was 2% (38 cases).
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and duration of antibiotic treatment were independently associated with ICU-acquired S. maltophilia.
  • Patients with ICU-acquired S. maltophilia experienced higher mortality rates (60% vs. 40%), longer mechanical ventilation, and longer ICU stays.

Conclusions:

  • COPD and extended antibiotic treatment are significant risk factors for acquiring S. maltophilia in the ICU.
  • ICU-acquired S. maltophilia is associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality.
  • S. maltophilia infection acquired in the ICU is an independent risk factor for ICU mortality.

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