Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026
09:07
Author Spotlight: Accelerating Diagnostic Accuracy with Direct Identification of Gram-Negatives from Blood Culture Bottles
Published on: May 24, 2024
1.5K
Minor non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli in Europe, 2020-2024 (MINOFEu).
Gabriele Bianco1, Paulo Bastos2, Konstantina Gartzonika3
1Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy; Microbiology and Virology Unit, Vito Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy.
International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|March 7, 2026
Summary
This study highlights the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of minor non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB) in European hospitals. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Achromobacter xylosoxidans showed significant resistance patterns, necessitating updated antimicrobial strategies.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Minor non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB), excluding Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, are underrepresented in European surveillance.
- Understanding their epidemiology and resistance is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic approaches, epidemiology, and antimicrobial susceptibility of minor NFGNB in European hospitals.
- To provide an updated overview supporting improved diagnostic and antimicrobial strategies.
Main Methods:
- Multicentre retrospective observational study of minor NFGNB isolates from blood cultures (2020-2024).
- Analysis of diagnostic methods (MALDI-TOF MS), epidemiology (polymicrobial cultures, catheter-related bloodstream infections), and antimicrobial susceptibility (EUCAST guidelines).
Main Results:
- 4,420 minor NFGNB isolates identified; Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (52.4%) and Achromobacter xylosoxidans (7.8%) were most prevalent.
- High resistance rates observed for S. maltophilia to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (11%) and A. xylosoxidans to meropenem (10%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (24%).
- Species-specific susceptibility patterns noted, with S. paucimobilis showing high susceptibility to several beta-lactams and tetracycline.
Conclusions:
- This study offers a comprehensive European overview of minor NFGNB diagnostics and epidemiology.
- Findings support the need for updated diagnostic and antimicrobial strategies to combat resistance in these pathogens.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Bacterial Phylum Firmicutes
1.1K
Firmicutes is a diverse phylum of Gram-positive bacteria characterized by a low GC content in their genomes. This phylum includes organisms with monoderm or diderm cell envelopes, highlighting a complex evolutionary history. Firmicutes comprises several major orders, including Lactobacillales, Clostridiales, and Bacillales, which exhibit remarkable diversity in their morphology, metabolism, and ecological roles.The order Lactobacillales includes lactic acid bacteria, which are fermentative...
1.1K
01:26Bacterial Phylum Bacteroidota
778
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...
778
01:30Bacterial Phylum Spirochaetes
1.0K
Spirochetes, unique bacteria in the phylum Spirochaetes, are gram-negative, motile, tightly coiled, slender, and flexible. They inhabit aquatic sediments and animals, with some causing diseases like syphilis. Spirochetes are classified into eight genera based on habitat, pathogenicity, phylogeny, and characteristics.Their distinctive motility arises from endoflagella, located within the cell’s periplasm. These endoflagella anchor at the cell poles and extend along the cell length, encased...
1.0K
01:26Bacterial Phylum Proteobacteria
1.1K
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,...
1.1K
01:30Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria
782
Coryneform bacteria are gram-positive, aerobic, nonmotile rods that exhibit irregular, club-shaped, or V-shaped arrangements. Their V-shape results from snapping division, where the inner cell wall layer forms the cross-wall, while the outer layer remains intact until it ruptures on one side, causing the daughter cells to bend away.The primary genera are Corynebacterium and Arthrobacter. Corynebacterium includes diverse species, ranging from saprophytes to pathogens like Corynebacterium...
782
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
1.7K
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
1.7K