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Review on Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: An Emerging Multidrug- resistant Opportunistic Pathogen
Rikhia Majumdar1, Hariharan Karthikeyan1, Vaishnavi Senthilnathan1
1Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur-603203, Tamilnadu, India.
Abstract:
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen that results in nosocomial infections in immunocompromised individuals. These bacteria colonize on the surface of medical devices and therapeutic equipment like urinary catheters, endoscopes, and ventilators, causing respiratory and urinary tract infections. The low outer membrane permeability of multidrug-resistance efflux systems and the two chromosomally encoded β- lactamases present in S. maltophilia are challenging for arsenal control. The cell-associated and extracellular virulence factors in S. maltophilia are involved in colonization and biofilm formation on the host surfaces. The spread of antibiotic-resistant genes in the pathogenic S. maltophilia attributes to bacterial resistance against a wide range of antibiotics, including penicillin, quinolones, and carbapenems. So far, tetracycline derivatives, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) are considered promising antibiotics against S. maltophilia. Due to the adaptive nature of the intrinsically resistant mechanism towards the number of antibiotics and its ability to acquire new resistance via mutation and horizontal gene transfer, it is quite tricky for medicinal contribution against S. maltophilia. The current review summarizes the literary data on pathogenicity, quorum sensing, biofilm formation, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance of S. maltophilia.
Insights
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a resilient opportunistic pathogen causing difficult-to-treat nosocomial infections. Its intrinsic resistance mechanisms and virulence factors pose significant challenges for effective antibiotic control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen frequently causing nosocomial infections in immunocompromised patients.
- It colonizes medical devices, leading to respiratory and urinary tract infections.
- Multidrug resistance, efflux systems, and beta-lactamases complicate treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
- To summarize pathogenicity, quorum sensing, biofilm formation, virulence factors, and antibiotic resistance.
- To highlight challenges in combating this pathogen.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
- Synthesis of data on virulence, resistance mechanisms, and treatment strategies.
- Analysis of factors contributing to colonization and biofilm formation.
Main Results:
- S. maltophilia exhibits intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics due to low outer membrane permeability and efflux systems.
- Virulence factors facilitate colonization and biofilm formation on medical devices.
- Acquisition of resistance genes via mutation and horizontal gene transfer exacerbates treatment difficulties.
Conclusions:
- Controlling Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections is challenging due to its adaptive resistance and virulence.
- Understanding its pathogenicity and resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing new therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to overcome medicinal challenges posed by this pathogen.
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