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Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: An Urgent Threat with Increasing Antibiotic Resistance
Jiaying Liu1, Yanghui Xiang1, Ying Zhang2,3
1State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that can cause many infections, such as chronic pulmonary infections in patients with cystic fibrosis and infections in immunocompromised patients with hematology-oncology diseases. Because of its remarkable and increasing antimicrobial resistance, the treatment of S. maltophilia infections is quite challenging. Meanwhile, the prevalence of S. maltophilia infections is increasing in recent decades. S. maltophilia is usually considered to be of low virulence but has numerous virulence factors involved in the pathogenesis of infections caused by S. maltophilia. By revealing its pathogenesis associated with virulence factors and molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance, many existing or potential therapeutic strategies have been developed. However, because of the limited treatment options, new strategies are urgently needed. Here, we review the recent progresses in research on S. maltophilia which may help to develop more effective treatments against this increasing threat.
Insights
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections are challenging due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. Research into its virulence factors and resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing new treatments against this growing threat.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen.
- It causes challenging infections, particularly chronic pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis patients and in immunocompromised individuals.
- Increasing antimicrobial resistance complicates treatment of S. maltophilia infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
- To highlight virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.
- To inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific progress on S. maltophilia.
- Analysis of studies on pathogenesis, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance.
- Synthesis of findings to identify potential therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- S. maltophilia possesses numerous virulence factors contributing to pathogenesis.
- Molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance are increasingly understood.
- Existing and potential therapeutic strategies are being developed based on this knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Despite low intrinsic virulence, S. maltophilia poses a significant clinical threat.
- Understanding resistance mechanisms is key to overcoming treatment challenges.
- New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to combat S. maltophilia infections effectively.
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