Introduction: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S.maltophilia) has emerged as an important opportunistic, nosocomial pathogen capable of causing respiratory, bloodstream and urinary infections in a debilitated host. Prevention of acquisition and infection depends upon the application of modern infection-control practices. Methods: We conducted a retrospective and observational laboratory-based study on S. maltophilia to evaluate the distribution of these pathogen isolates between February 2008 and December 2012 in a 38-bed intensive care unit in northeastern Brazil. The study began by surveying all positive S. maltophilia cultures processed by the microbiology laboratory during the period of study. The cultures, originating from various types of biological material were processed by Vitek® System. The cultures were processed in protocol in accordance with CLSI-M100-S25. The incidence rate was calculated per 1,000 admissions. Results: A total of 100 sample isolates were tested positive for S. maltophilia. The isolates were obtained from 50.301 hospitalized patients (0.19%). A total of 8.572 positive cultures were detected in different biological materials. Ninety four (94%) isolates were from patients in adult intensive care. Seventy (70%) S. maltophilia isolates were from tracheal cultures. All S. maltophilia isolates were sensitive to Co-trimoxazole and levofloxacin. Conclusions: This study shows the importance of other analytical epidemiologic studies that correlate the presence of S. maltophilia incidence associated with the risk factor, and the outcomes, in our region.

No abstract