Development of a quantitative immunofluorescence assay for detection of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia antibodies in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Background: To describe a simple quantitative immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for the detection of specific Stenotrophomonas maltophilia antibodies in serum of CF patients.

Methods: A total of 100 sera (64 CF patients and 36 healthy subjects) were collected over a period of 2 years at the University Hospital Essen, Germany. Sputum culture status classified CF patients into groups.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in cystic fibrosis: improved detection by the use of selective agar and evaluation of antimicrobial resistance.

Background: We implemented a selective medium for improved detection of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in sputum samples from CF patients. We also performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing with eight antibiotics.

Methods: A total of 623 consecutive sputum samples from 165 CF patients in a German CF center were cultured onto conventional media and onto Steno medium agar (SMA).