Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Bacteraemia: Analysis of 33 Episodes Occurred in the ICU at the University Hospital in Sousse, Tunisia

Abstract

Background: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant, Gram negative bacillus that has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Aim: The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of patients with bloodstream infections due to S. maltophilia. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study was performed at the ICUs over seven-year period in a teaching hospital. Cases of SMB were identified through a review of clinical microbiology laboratory and patient’s records were retrieved for analysis. Findings: There were 22 deaths (71%) 15 ± 12 days after the bactaeremia. In our study, more than half of patients (17/31) was exposed to broad-spectrum antibiotic specifically imipinem (IMP) before their positive culture. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that isolates were most sensitive to ciprofloxacin (84%) and to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (71%). A probable portal of entry was identified in 27.3% of cases and 57% were catheter-related. Conclusion: Our results were similar to those described by other authors reported in the literature in the last 20 years. Prevention of S. maltophilia acquisition and infection depends on higher emphasis on control of antimicrobial consumption and consideration of environmental reservoirs.