Language
English
Publication Date
9-1-2024
Journal
Phage
DOI
10.1089/phage.2023.0034
PMID
39372359
PMCID
PMC11447384
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
9-16-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Abstract
Multidrug resistant infections are a challenge in the health care setting and a cause of patient morbidity and mortality. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that target and kill bacteria and have been used in patients to treat bacterial infections. We present a case of disseminated Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infection, with pulmonary, intra-abdominal and bloodstream involvement. The patient was treated with a combination of antibiotics and personalized phage therapy, administered daily for 12 days both intravenously as well as via intra-abdominal drains. Phage therapy was well-tolerated, the patient cleared S. maltophilia from their bloodstream and their intra-abdominal abscesses were stable or decreased in size. However, the intra-abdominal fluid cultures remained positive for S. maltophilia. Unfortunately, the patient passed away 2 months after completion of phage therapy due to multiorgan failure. These data highlight the difficulty of treating critically ill patients and clearing complex, biofilm mediated infections, even with phages. More information is needed regarding the optimal treatment protocols for phage therapy in complex multifocal infections.
Keywords
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, bacteriophage, phage therapy
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Cullen, Grace D; Salazar, Keiko Christine; Terwilliger, Austen Lee; et al., "A Case of Persistent Intra-Abdominal Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Infection Despite Bacteriophage Therapy" (2024). Faculty and Staff Publications. 4827.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/4827
Included in
Health Services Research Commons, Medical Molecular Biology Commons, Medical Specialties Commons, Virology Commons