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Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: an emerging global opportunistic pathogen

Joanna S Brooke1

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, USA. jbrooke@depaul.edu

Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|January 11, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant pathogen causing severe infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. This review details its infection mechanisms, co-colonization, and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathogen Research

Background:

  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging, multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen with increasing incidence in nosocomial and community-acquired infections.
  • This bacterium is found in diverse aqueous environments and can infect various organs, frequently causing respiratory tract infections.
  • It poses a significant threat to immunocompromised individuals due to a high fatality-to-case ratio.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current literature on Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
  • To present the molecular mechanisms of colonization and infection employed by S. maltophilia.
  • To discuss S. maltophilia's role in polymicrobial infections, host immune responses, and current/emerging treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current scientific publications.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms for colonization and infection.
  • Examination of S. maltophilia's role in polymicrobial infections, including co-colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • Review of findings from animal models regarding host immune response.
  • Synthesis of information on current and emerging therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • S. maltophilia utilizes various molecular mechanisms for colonization and infection.
  • It is a common co-colonizer, particularly with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis patients' respiratory tracts.
  • Cell-cell communication between S. maltophilia and P. aeruginosa has therapeutic implications.
  • Animal models reveal insights into the host immune response to S. maltophilia infections.

Conclusions:

  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a significant opportunistic pathogen requiring further research into its virulence factors and treatment.
  • Understanding pathogen interactions, like co-colonization with P. aeruginosa, is crucial for developing novel therapies.
  • Effective management strategies for S. maltophilia infections involve a comprehensive approach considering its environmental origins, molecular mechanisms, and host interactions.

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