Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
06:34

Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS

Published on: July 11, 2016

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Shi-Qi An1, Gabriele Berg2

  • 1The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.

Trends in Microbiology
|May 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

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.

More Related Videos

Direct Microbial Identification using An Automated Microbial Identification System to Facilitate the EUCAST RAST Method Without Mass Spectrometry09:07

Direct Microbial Identification using An Automated Microbial Identification System to Facilitate the EUCAST RAST Method Without Mass Spectrometry

Published on: May 24, 2024

In Vivo Monitoring of Transcriptional Activity During Metabolic Transition Using a Bioluminescent Reporter in Yeast06:53

In Vivo Monitoring of Transcriptional Activity During Metabolic Transition Using a Bioluminescent Reporter in Yeast

Published on: February 21, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Phylum Proteobacteria01:26

Bacterial Phylum Proteobacteria

Proteobacteria, one of the largest and most diverse bacterial phyla, encompasses a wide range of Gram-negative bacteria distinguished by their outer membrane composed of lipopolysaccharides. These microorganisms exhibit various metabolic capabilities, including phototrophy, chemolithotrophy, and heterotrophy, and thrive in diverse environments from soil to aquatic systems and host-associated niches. The phylum is divided into six classes: Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria,...
Bacterial Phylum Planctomycetes01:26

Bacterial Phylum Planctomycetes

Planctomycetes are a group of morphologically distinct bacteria predominantly classified into two orders: Planctomycetales and Brocadiales. These gram-negative bacteria exhibit unique features, including division by budding and the presence of stalks or appendages. Their cells are often found in rosette arrangements, and they are notable for possessing an S-layer in their cell envelope, which is relatively uncommon among bacteria. Additionally, Planctomycetes frequently exhibit intracellular...
Bacterial Phylum Bacteroidota01:26

Bacterial Phylum Bacteroidota

The phylum Bacteroidota includes over 700 species classified into four primary orders: Bacteroidales, Cytophagales, Flavobacteriales, and Sphingobacteriales. These gram-negative, non-sporulating rods exhibit saccharolytic capabilities and can be aerobic or fermentative, encompassing obligate aerobes, facultative aerobes, and obligate anaerobes. Many species display gliding motility, though some are nonmotile or use flagella. The genus Bacteroides is well-studied due to its significant role in...
Bacterial Phylum Tenericutes01:24

Bacterial Phylum Tenericutes

The phylum Tenericutes, which includes the single class Mollicutes, comprises bacteria that lack cell walls. The term "Mollicutes" derives from the Latin word mollis, meaning "soft." These organisms are among the smallest known and are commonly referred to as mycoplasmas due to the prominence of the genus Mycoplasma, which includes well-known human pathogens. Despite their inability to stain gram-positively (a result of their lack of cell walls), mycoplasmas are phylogenetically related to the...
Microbes in Beverage Production01:25

Microbes in Beverage Production

Alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and spirits are the products of microbial fermentation processes that transform simple sugars into ethanol and a wide array of complex flavor compounds. These transformations rely on the metabolic activities of specific yeasts and bacteria, which are selected and controlled to yield the desired beverage characteristics.Wine Fermentation and MaturationWine production begins with the crushing of grapes to release juice and pulp, forming a must that is...
Microbial Spoilage of Food01:23

Microbial Spoilage of Food

Microbial food spoilage refers to the degradation of food quality resulting from the metabolic activity of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts, and molds. These microbes proliferate on various food substrates depending on factors such as moisture content, nutrient availability, and storage conditions, leading to undesirable sensory and structural changes.Bacteria are primary agents of spoilage in high-moisture, nutrient-dense foods like meat, milk, and vegetables. Microbial spoilage occurs...