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

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 1st November 2019 to 31st 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.