Investigation of Disinfectant Susceptibility of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Isolates Isolated from Clinical Specimens in a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacies of a quaternary ammonium compound containing solution used in the surface disinfection and a chlorhexidine/cetrimide product used as a mucosal antiseptic to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains isolated from various clinical samples.

Materials and methods: A total of 50 S. maltophilia strains isolated from various patient samples such as blood, wound, urine, sputum and pleural fluid were enrolled to the study. Disinfectant susceptibilities were analysed by quantitative suspension test method.

Results: All S. maltophilia isolates included in the study were found susceptible to the disinfectant and antiseptic agents tested.

Conclusion: S. maltophilia is a prevalent opportunistic pathogen that may lead to various nosocomial infections especially in intensive care units. Because of intrinsic and acquired resistance to antimicrobial agents, treatment difficulties are encountered. S. maltophilia may also develop resistance to disinfectant agents. To prevent nosocomial infections with resistant bacteria, disinfectants used in hospitals should be replaced at regular intervals and disinfectant susceptibility tests should be performed.

Key words:  Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, chlorhexidine, cetrimide, disinfection, opportunistic infections, nosocomial infections.