Unraveling the Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: Insights into an Emerging Nosocomial Pathogen

Abstract

Introduction: stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a clinically relevant opportunistic and nosocomial pathogen with increasing concerns regarding antibiotic resistance. Accurate diagnosis and identification are crucial for effective treatment, and misidentification can occur, thereby emphasizing the need for appropriate laboratory testing and surveillance. This review aimed to evaluate the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and antimicrobial resistance of Stenotrophomonas spp. Materials and Methods. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed Central Database. Inclusion criteria included studies published in open-access scientific journals within the last five years, reporting information on Stenotrophomonas spp. epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and/or antimicrobial resistance. The synthesis of the results involved a narrative synthesis of the findings from the included studies. Results. A total of 25 articles met the inclusion criteria and provided valuable insights into Stenotrophomonas spp. infections. The distribution of reported cases by country, sample type, and antimicrobial resistance patterns was summarized. The prevalence of resistance to various antibiotics was also assessed, highlighting the need for continuous surveillance. Conclusion. This analysis revealed the presence of antimicrobial resistance in Stenotrophomonas spp., particularly in S. maltophilia. The high prevalence of antibiotic resistance underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and control measures to combat antibiotic resistance. The diverse distribution of S. maltophilia across different sample types emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis and identification. Addressing antimicrobial resistance in Stenotrophomonas spp. is essential for global public health.