Cefiderocol for the Treatment of Nosocomial Bloodstream Infections Caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: A Case Series and Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The treatment of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bloodstream infections (BSI) remains challenging due to the organism's intrinsic multidrug resistance and the potential side effects of commonly used first-line antibiotics. Methods Here, we describe four cases of S. maltophilia BSI treated with cefiderocol (≥ 72 h) in different Italian hospitals. Additionally, we conducted a PubMed search to identify other studies reporting cases of S. maltophilia BSI managed with cefiderocol. Results We reviewed a total of 8 cases of S. maltophilia BSI [median age 52.5 years (Q1–Q3 27.5–61.0), 50% males] treated with cefiderocol, including ours. BSI sources were mainly central venous catheters (62.5%) and the lower respiratory tract (25.0%). Cefiderocol was used as first-line therapy in 87.5% of patients (7/8), with a median treatment duration of 14 days (IQR 6.2–16.0). Combination therapy was administered in 62.5% of cases. Infection source control was required in 75.0% and achieved in 40.0%. Clinical success was observed in 62.5% of patients, with microbiological eradication in 87.5%. In-hospital mortality occurred in 37.5% of cases, with one death directly attributable to S. maltophilia. No significant differences were observed in terms of outcomes between cefiderocol monotherapy and combination therapy. Conclusions Based on our findings and a review of the literature, cefiderocol-based regimens show promise as an effective treatment option for S. maltophilia BSI, warranting further investigation in larger studies.

Keywords

• Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
• Bloodstream infections
• Multidrug resistance
• Cefiderocol