Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Question

Hello,

I have CF and am colonized massively with stenotrophomonas maltophilia. My lung function has not improved despite intensive therapy. They say that stenotrophomonas maltophilia is not dangerous, but everything else was ruled out as a reason for the poor lung function. How can stenotrophomonas maltophilia be treated?

Thanks and kind regards.

Answer

Dear questioner,

the significance of stenotrophomonas maltophilia for CF has not been resolved conclusively. However, most studies do suggest that it does not impact lung function. This might be different in individual cases, and therapy could be attempted. One recommended therapeutic measure is thrimetoprim/sulfamethoxazole. On the other hand, poor lung function could also be caused by viruses, which are not treated with antibiotics. Another issue that is being discussed is whether “anaerobic” bacteria, i.e. those that grow only without oxygen, could have an impact on lung function. Or it could possibly also be some other “non-cultivable” or hardly cultivable germs. It is also important that the microbiological testing is done at a laboratory that is familiar with the unusual flora of a CF patient.

As you can see, this a question that is not very easy to answer.

Kind regards
Barbara Kahl

14.09.2010