Stenotrophomonas maltophilia | |
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Stenotrophomonas maltophilia clinical isolates on MacConkey agar | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Bacteria |
Phylum: | Pseudomonadota |
Class: | Gammaproteobacteria |
Order: | Xanthomonadales |
Family: | Xanthomonadaceae |
Genus: | Stenotrophomonas |
Species: | S. maltophilia
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Binomial name | |
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Palleroni & Bradbury 1993
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Synonyms | |
Pseudomonas maltophilia (ex Hugh and Ryschenkow 1961) Hugh 1981 |
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an aerobic, nonfermentative, Gram-negative bacterium. It is an uncommon bacterium and human infection is difficult to treat.[1] Initially classified as Bacterium bookeri,[2] then renamed Pseudomonas maltophilia, S. maltophilia was also grouped in the genus Xanthomonas before eventually becoming the type species of the genus Stenotrophomonas in 1993.[3][4]
S. maltophilia is slightly smaller (0.7–1.8 × 0.4–0.7 μm) than other members of the genus. They are motile due to polar flagella, and grow well on MacConkey agar producing pigmented colonies. S. maltophilia is catalase-positive, oxidase-negative (which distinguishes it from most other members of the genus) and has a positive reaction for extracellular DNase.[citation needed]
S. maltophilia is ubiquitous in aqueous environments, soil, and plants; it has also been used in biotechnology applications.[5] In immunocompromised patients, S. maltophilia can lead to nosocomial infections. It is also an emerging nosocomial pathogen associated with opportunistic infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. Adherence of this organism to abiotic surfaces such as medical implants and catheters represents a major risk for hospitalized patients.[6]