Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Stenotrophomonas

Significance
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen previously known as Pseudomonas maltophilia and Xanthomonas maltophilia. Stenotrophomonas is of most concern in the hospital setting. This organism is inherently resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents that are used to treat gram-negative infections. Contaminated water can transmit the organism through indwelling catheters and respiratory therapy equipment to susceptible patients causing infection. Stenotrophomonas infection in intensive care unit (ICU) patients has been identified as an independent risk factor for mortality.

Test Method
Filter concentration method using Trypticase Soy Agar with imipenem selective media. Direct plating is also included in the event of high concentrations of the organism. Modification of the ASTM International Standard Test Method for the Isolation and Enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from water (D5246).

Turn Around Time
2–7 days

Test Code
104

Sample Transport
See Sampling and Shipping page for instructions.

Accreditations and Proficiency
See Accreditations and Proficiency page for information on our accreditations and Legionella testing proficiency programs.