Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia Infection in Cancer Patients Undergoing Major Surgery in A Tertiary Cancer Centre

Amrita Talukdar; Gaurav Das

doi:10.31557/apjcc.2024.9.3.495-500

Authors

Amrita Talukdar Department of Surgical Oncology, Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute, (a unit of Tata Memorial Centre), India.
Gaurav Das Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcc.2024.9.3.495-500

Keywords:

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Nosocomial infection, Postoperative infection, Antimicrobial drug resistance, Clinical oncology

Abstract

Background: We aim to study the impact of postoperative Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections among cancer patients undergoing major surgery.

Methods: Ambispective, observational study. Study period from 1^st November 2019 to 31^st March 2024. The study population included patients with a definite diagnosis of cancer who underwent a major surgical procedure in a single, dedicated surgical unit and developed postoperative infection which showed a documented growth of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Clinical and laboratory parameters were collected and data represented as median values, percentages and range.

Results: Nine patients were identified to have Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection in the postoperative period among a total of 2506 patients. Co-morbid illnesses were noted in 33.3% patients; all were nosocomial infections. Fever was a manifestation in 77.8% patients, 44.4% had leukocytosis. Of all samples, 33.3% were respiratory ones. Co-infection was noted in 44.4% patients. Sensitivity to trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole was seen in 44.4% and to levofloxacin in 66.7% isolates. Mortality rate was 11.1%.

Conclusion: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia causes uncommon but clinically significant infections among cancer patients in the postoperative period.