Pathogens
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Precautions

Routine Practices

General Information

Aerobic non-fermenting Gram-negative bacillus

Naturally found in the environment (soil, water) as well as animals. Human colonization is infrequent in health individuals, but those with chronic lung diseases (e.g. bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis) or prosthetic materials (e.g. lines, endotracheal tubes) may be transiently colonized.

Global distribution. Transmission occurs through direct contact with contaminated environments, and less frequently through person-to-person spread.

Nosocomial infections including:

  • Central line-associated bloodstream infections
  • Ventilator-associated pneumonia
  • Skin and soft tissue infections