Epidemiology of nosocomial infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Non-fermentative Gram negative rods are opportunistic pathogens responsible for nosocomial infections. Using phenotypic markers (sero-types for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and antibiotic susceptibility) allows a preliminary screening of epidemiologically-related strains. However, genotypic markers are necessary to better characterize nosocomial strains for the investigation of outbreaks or cross-transmissions in the hospital setting. Infections due to P. aeruginosa, Burkholderia. cepacia or Stenotrophomonas. maltophilia are usually hospital-acquired and responsible for a high mortality rate as illustrated by the lethality of nosocomial pneumonia due to P. aeruginosa. The severity of these infections is due to the virulence factors of the bacteria and to their occurrence in debilitated patients in whom invasives devices are used. The hospital environment can act as a reservoir with a rate of exogeneous transmission of these bacteria as high as 50% in some studies. To better prevent nosocomial infections related to Gram negative non fermentative rods. the control of the aqueous hospital environment, the strict application of hand disinfection and the investigation of potential cross-transmission in the hospital setting are needed. (c) 2004 Elsevier SAS. Tons droits reserves.