Investigation of Disinfectant Susceptibility of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Isolates in a Tertiary Hospital

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of two different disinfectant solutions (a quaternary ammonium compound used in the surface disinfection and a chlorhexidine/cetrimide product used as a mucosal antiseptic) on Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains. Materials and methods: A total of 50 S. maltophilia strains from our stock culture collection were used in this study. Disinfectant/antiseptic susceptibilities of the strains were evaluated by the 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.