Discussions
Discussions
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia
Hi Everyone,
I just got my sputum sample results from lab and it shows I have heavy amounts of pseudomonas and steno in my lungs.
I’m now on max dose oral Cipro.
Is this pneumonia? And will I likely have to go on another antibiotic to get rid of Steno? I get mixed diagnosis from my pulmonologist who I’m ready to drop any minute. Appreciate anyone’s comments.
Replies
Mike,
Hello! What symptoms are you experiencing?
Colonization means that these bugs are hanging out in your respiratory tract, infection/ pneumonia means that these bugs are causing trouble in your respiratory tract.
Lab tests such as a cell blood count, CRP , proinflammatory cytokines are produced more acutely during an active infection, impacting vital signs - your temperature, chills, heart rate, respiratory rate.
Active pneumonia signs typically include severe difficulty breathing, a productive cough, fatigue, and more.
Chest X-rays and or a chest cat scan will give your health care provider a better idea of what is going on.
The sputum culture and sensitivity tests will guide your health care provider to determine if Cipro will cover both of these bacteria. Cipro is good for Pseudomonas, Levofloxacin is better for Steno. I am not a doctor, my words are from personal experiences. Your health care provider needs to look at the whole picture.
Below is a link to BNTM Care Centers- you just need to plug in your zip code to see if there is a care center near you.
https://social.bronchandntm.org/directory/find-a-bronchiectasis-and-ntm-center
I hope that you find a doctor who you feel will help you feel better soon.
Mike, I have tested positive in the past for Steno, taken drugs including Levofloxacin, but later found out that MAC was the source of my symptoms. Whenever I have a sputum sample, there are a number of things (other than MAC) that show up, but but are not big concerns by my doctor since they are environmental and not causing my symptoms. For me, exercise is a huge part of my life and the main source of my airway clearance. So for that reason, Levof. is not worth it as it is associated with tendon ruptures. I’m just not gonna risk it. I don’t like the thought of things, any sort of thing, living in my lungs for however long- however, I’m concentrated on what’s causing the symptoms.
Comments
Hi Mike.
I am sorry to hear that you have Pseudomonas and Steno. Technically, it is not classified as pneumonia unless they are seeing structural changes on your X-ray/CT scan that indicate that the air sacs (alveoli) have collapsed, or they often see a "complete whiteout" (heavy consolidation) of one or more lobes of your lung.
Most pulmonologists/ID docs will attempt what they call eradication therapy by using 1-2 rounds of oral antibiotics followed by an inhaled antibiotic to get rid of Pseudomonas. As you have read from the comments, getting completely rid of both "bugs" is pretty hard to do, especially when you have a lung condition like BE.
The folks here are correct in thinking that oftentimes if you don't have symptoms of a lung infection or "being sick," your doctor may choose to keep an eye on things and wait to treat the infections. My suggestion is to evaluate how you are feeling since testing positive for both bacteria. I would also suggest seeing someone at one of our CCN Centers (if you aren't already and one is fairly close by).
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