title: Infections caused by Pseudomonas maltophilia. Expanding clinical spectrum.
abstract: Pseudomonas maltophilia (Xanthomonas maltophilia) is a frequently isolated commensal that is gaining increasing recognition as an opportunistic pathogen in debilitated hosts. We report three unusual infections due to P maltophilia that illustrate the ability of the organism to cause life-threatening illness. We describe a case of postoperative meningitis, a case of recurrent bacteremia complicated by ecthyma gangrenosum, and a case of native valve endocarditis in a drug addict. Because of frequent isolation from noninfected sites, the pathogenic potential of P maltophilia may be overlooked. The notable resistance of this organism is commonly used beta-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics may complicate therapy.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D004473:Ecthyma / Q000209:etiology; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008581:Meningitis / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D011549:Pseudomonas / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology