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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
06:34
Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
1The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
Trends in Microbiology
|May 15, 2018
Summary
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a versatile bacterium beneficial to plants but also a growing cause of hospital and community infections. Understanding its traits is crucial for managing its dual role in ecosystems and human health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a ubiquitous bacterium found in diverse environments, notably associated with plants.
- It plays significant roles in ecosystem functions like nutrient cycling and plant growth promotion.
- The bacterium is also increasingly recognized as an opportunistic human pathogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the key regulated traits of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
- To highlight its importance in plant interactions.
- To address its rising incidence as a nosocomial and community-acquired infection.
Main Methods:
- Infographic description of regulated traits.
- Review of environmental and clinical incidence data.
- Comparison with harmless relatives like S. rhizophila.
Main Results:
- S. maltophilia exhibits traits beneficial for plant growth and ecosystem functions.
- It colonizes various habitats, including extreme environments and man-made niches like hospitals.
- The pathogen causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals and in polymicrobial infections.
Conclusions:
- Stenotrophomonas maltophilia possesses a dual nature, being ecologically important and a significant human pathogen.
- Its increasing incidence necessitates further research and understanding.
- Harmless relatives offer safer alternatives for biotechnological applications.
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