Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Question

What does the finding of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia mean for me as a CF patient? Is there anything to take into account concerning meetings with other CF patients or events other CF patients take part in?

Answer

Hello,
the finding of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is relatively frequent in CF patients (about 10% of patients). The bacterium has normally a relative high resistance against most antibiotic drugs. The acquisition is mostly via the environment, as the germ is in the ground, water, but also frequently in animals. In case of CF, there is often a co-infection with Pseudomonas aerugionsa, the colonization with this germ is mostly not accompanied by a faster deterioration of lung function, however acute exacerbations can occur more often. Therefore it is not inevitably mandatory to try an eradication of the germ from the lungs.
Due to the broad resistance of the germ, a therapy is often difficult, mostly cotrimoxazole is given, probably in combination with the newly available, inhalative levofloxacin (Quinsair®).
As Stenotrophomonas maltophilia can be transmitted via the air and coughing, the same rules pertain for meetings with other patients as for e.g. 3 or 4 MRGN patients.
Best regards,
PD Dr. Rainald Fischer

25.07.2016