How do you test for stenotrophomonas maltophilia?

Answer 1

I think you mean Stenotrophomonas (Pseudomonas) maltophilia - an aerobic gram-negative bacillus that is an infrequent pathogen in humans. I am not an expert on the subject but my understang is that:

It is a very uncommon bacteria and may be found in fluids such as in nebulisers, humidifier systems for ventilators and irrigation fluids in intensive care units. It is apparently more common in Northern Europe according to one of my consultants from Germany. The 'bugs' may be present, attached to tubings etc. and living in various treatment fluids, and in the body 'cavity' the fluid is entering. It only usually causes illness in patients with invasive medical devices - central lines, tracheostomies etc. and/or those who have a compromised immune system or patietns on steroids etc that reduce the bodies immune response e.g. SLE. It is usually presumed to be a 'colonisation' - having taken up residence in tubing or in body cavities such as the bladder in patients with a urinary catheter but not likely to cause a significant infection. If other causes are excluded for signs of infection, 'Septrin' or a similar antibiotic may used to treat the colonies present and the medical professionals will then monitor any significant reduction in Septic markers - the blood results and observations of signs of infection such as temperature. If there is a response they will prolong the course to ensure the infection is cleared.

Fatma Neilson

Charge Nurse

Intensive Care

Sultan Qaboos

Answer 2

Well, first if you can get a pure culture from the sight you would want to gram stain an isolated colony- s. maltophilia stains as a gram neg rod- it's going to be a oxidase negative and catalase positive. next you would want to set up biochemicals- usually TSI which is going to see if it ferments sugars (ex. Glucose) MIO to see if it's motile and indole positive, then set up a Urease slant.

Answer 3

I have been diagnosed with having stenotrophomonas maltophilia in my lungs. I have no idea how I contracted this infection. I was told earlier this year that I had E-Coli on my lung which caused my lung to collapse. I have been given several anti biotics to cure this infection but not getting anywhere. I am hoping that my consultant will refer me to an immunologist to help find what is causing this.

Answer 4

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