The prevalence of colistin resistance in clinical Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis

While trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the first-line therapy of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections, colistin is one of the therapeutic options in cases of allergy or resistance to TMP-SMX.

However, understanding the global status of resistance to colistin amongst S. maltophilia isolates could be helpful for appropriate antibiotic prescription.

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of colistin resistance in clinical S. maltophilia isolates worldwide.

According to eligibility criteria, a total of 61 studies were included in the analysis.

The pooled prevalence for colistin resistance was 42% (95% CI: 35-49%), ranging from 0.1 to 97%.

Subgroups analysis indicated that, the pooled prevalence of colistin resistance was 44% (95% CI: 29-60%) in 15 studies during 2000–2010, and it was estimated to be 41% (95% CI: 33-50%) in 46 articles from 2011 to 2021.

It was 46% (95% CI: 35-58%) in the studies that used broth microdilution method, and 39% (95% CI: 30-49%) in the studies with other used methods.

The resistance rate in Asian countries was 45% (95% CI: 31-60%), in European countries was 45% (95% CI: 34-56%) and in the countries of North and South America was 33% (95% CI: 20-46%).

Our review showed notable resistance to colistin in clinical S. maltophilia isolates.

Given the estimated resistance rates, alternative antibiotics could be preferred to treat serious infections due to S. maltophilia .