The emergence of stenotrophomonas maltophilia as a pathogen in the UHWI

ABSTRACT

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a Gram-negative bacillus, which is known to occur in hospitals and especially in Intensive Care Units. We reported the emergence of the organism at the UHWI for the first time in 1996. During routine infection control surveillance, conducted by the Microbiology Department, Steno maltophilia was first identified in the ICU, UHWI in October 1996 and was the only case reported in that year. Isolates were obtained from blood, urine, sputum, trap sputum, wound, skin, catheter tips and environmental samplimg. Patient's clinical records were reviewed and an attempt made to determine possible risk factors. In 1997 there was a total of 7 patients with Steno. Matophilia with 4 (57 percent) of these coming from the ICU. Up to July 1999, 26 cases were isolated, of these 15 (58 percent cases) came from ICU. The organism was mainly resistant to Menonem, Imipenem, Gentamicin and sensitive largely to Ciprofloxacin and Ceftazidime. Since it was first reported in 1996, Steno. Malto has emerged as a significant pathogen at UHWI. Patients most at risk are those in the ICU. Its multi-drug-resistance characteristics distinguish it as a potentially dangerous nosocomial pathogen and impose the necessity for urgent action to prevent and control its spread.(AU)