Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections of intact skin: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

To highlight the importance of intact skin infection syndromes caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, we review 17 reported cases. Skin infection syndrome presentations included metastatic cellulitis (58%), primary cellulitis (23%), and ecthyma gangrenosum (17%). Associated risk factors were hematologic malignancies and chemotherapy (94%), neutropenia (94%), presence of central venous catheter (17%), and exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics (84%). The diagnosis was supported by cultures of skin biopsy specimens (35%), blood cultures (24%), or both (41%). Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was the treatment of choice (76%), and outcomes were favorable (71%).