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Stenotrophomonas maltophilia virulence: a current view
Vladimir Mikhailovich1, Rustam Heydarov1, Danila Zimenkov1
1Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen intrinsically resistant to multiple and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Although the bacterium is considered a low-virulence pathogen, it can cause various severe diseases and contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of multibacterial infections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, S. maltophilia has been recognized as one of the most common causative agents of respiratory co-infections and bacteremia in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The high ability to adapt to unfavorable environments and new habitat niches, as well as the sophisticated switching of metabolic pathways, are unique mechanisms that attract the attention of clinical researchers and experts studying the fundamental basis of virulence. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge on the molecular aspects of S. maltophilia virulence and putative virulence factors, partially touched on interspecific bacterial interactions and iron uptake systems in the context of virulence, and have not addressed antibiotic resistance.
Insights
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, an opportunistic pathogen, causes severe infections, especially in COVID-19 patients. This review explores its virulence factors and adaptation mechanisms, excluding antibiotic resistance.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Bacterial pathogenesis
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen with intrinsic multidrug resistance.
- Despite low virulence, it causes severe diseases and contributes to polymicrobial infections.
- It emerged as a common cause of co-infections in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular aspects of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia virulence.
- To highlight putative virulence factors and their roles.
- To discuss bacterial interactions and iron uptake in virulence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of molecular mechanisms of S. maltophilia virulence.
- Analysis of studies on interspecific bacterial interactions.
- Examination of iron uptake systems in relation to virulence.
Main Results:
- S. maltophilia possesses unique adaptation mechanisms and metabolic pathway switching.
- Virulence factors and their molecular underpinnings are crucial for pathogenesis.
- Interspecific interactions and iron acquisition influence S. maltophilia's virulence.
Conclusions:
- Understanding S. maltophilia virulence mechanisms is critical for clinical management.
- Its adaptability and complex interactions contribute to its pathogenicity.
- Further research into virulence factors can inform therapeutic strategies.
