Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: an emerging multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen in the immunocompromised host

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Dec 20:2017:bcr2017221053. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221053.

Abstract

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant opportunistic pathogen with increasing prevalence and high morbidity and mortality. In addition to its classic association with pulmonary infections, S. maltophilia can cause skin and soft tissue infections with varying clinical presentations. We describe the case of a man in his 30s with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who presented with a solitary patch of faint but tender purpura found to have rapidly progressive S. maltophilia infection diagnosed on skin biopsy. S. maltophilia infection should be considered in the cutaneous evaluation of the immunocompromised host.

Keywords: dermatology; nosocomial infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Catheters, Indwelling / microbiology*
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / immunology
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Leg
  • Leukemia, B-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, B-Cell / immunology
  • Male
  • Opportunistic Infections / drug therapy
  • Opportunistic Infections / immunology
  • Opportunistic Infections / microbiology*
  • Purpura / microbiology
  • Soft Tissue Infections / microbiology*
  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia / pathogenicity*
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination