First case of persistent Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteraemia due to septic thrombosis successfully treated with a cefiderocol-containing regimen

Abstract

There is scarce evidence in literature of what should be the best antimicrobial treatment for bloodstream infections (BSIs) sustained by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a peculiar pathogen that intrinsically withstands to most of the available antibiotics. Here, we describe a challenging case of a persistent S. maltophilia BSI due to septic thrombosis successfully treated with the addition of the novel siderophore cephalosporin cefiderocol to an only partially effective levofloxacin regimen. Additionally, an intra-lock therapy with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was selected as a strategy to prevent recurrence of infection since complete source control was not possible. The serum bactericidal assay was also used to corroborate the in vivo efficacy of the adopted combination therapy.