Acral necrosis by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Background Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SM) has been considered a nosocomi al pathogen. Nevertheless, community acquired infection may occur more freq uently than usually recognized. Case We describe distal necrosis of the fingers by SM in a farmer, contract ed in the community and successfully treated with a combination of cotrimox azole and ciprofloxacin. The patient was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. 6 months later. Conclusions This unusual presentation shows that infection with SM should b e included in the differential diagnosis of the skin and soft tissue infect ion, even in apparently healthy patients.