Stenotrophomonas Can Be Associated With Clonal Outbreaks in Hospital Settings

Background: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic gram-negative bacterium that can be found in aqueous environments, including hospital water systems. It frequently affects critically ill or immunocompromised patients, often causing respiratory or bloodstream infections (BSIs). It remains unclear what the risk factors or sources are that can result in hospital-related outbreaks. Objective: To identify the risk factors associated with the S maltophilia hospital-associated BSI outbreak. Design: Case-control study. Methods: Between May 2022 and September 2023, an acute care hospital in northern California identified 13 S maltophilia BSIs among ICU patients. To identify risk factors, investigators conducted a matched case-control study comparing 13 case-patients with 39 control-patients matched by ICU stay and admission timing. Data were abstracted from electronic medical records regarding demographics, medications, and procedures. Onsite assessments of infection prevention an more...