MICROBIOLOGY

• Non-fermenting Gram-negative rod [Fig], easily grown on standard media.
  • Previously referred to as Pseudomonas maltophilia.
• Ubiquitous organism: found in water, soil and plants.
• Considered low virulence and frequent colonizer of body fluids, especially in patients exposed to high-intensity courses of antibiotics.
• Environmental and clinical isolates often exhibit multiple antibiotic resistance.
• S. maltophila tends to adhere and form biofilms to catheters and prosthetic devices.