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Evaluation of a modified selective differential medium for the isolation of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Niki F Foster1, Barbara J Chang, Thomas V Riley

  • 1Discipline of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Australia. nfoster@cyllene.uwa.edu.au

Journal of Microbiological Methods
|June 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A modified VIA medium using meropenem effectively detected Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in hospital drains. This new method aids in identifying this opportunistic pathogen in clinical environments.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Diagnostics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen frequently isolated from hospital environments.
  • Effective laboratory detection methods are crucial for managing S. maltophilia infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a modified VIA medium for selective isolation of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
  • To assess the prevalence of S. maltophilia in hospital and surrounding drains using the new medium.

Main Methods:

  • VIA medium was modified by replacing imipenem with meropenem (16 mg/L).
  • Drain samples were collected from hospital and surrounding locations.
  • Bacterial isolates were identified using phenotypic tests and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Main Results:

  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was recovered from 40% of the sampled drains.
  • The modified medium demonstrated a specificity of 62% for S. maltophilia.
  • Contaminating bacteria were readily differentiated from S. maltophilia.

Conclusions:

  • The modified VIA medium with meropenem is a viable option for isolating Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
  • This method facilitates the detection and differentiation of S. maltophilia in clinical settings.
  • Further optimization may enhance the specificity and sensitivity of the medium.

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