Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a wide range of infections, particularly severe lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), leading to high mortality rates. This Gram-negative bacterium is resistant to many antibiotics and possesses numerous virulence factors, including lytic enzymes and serine proteases, which contribute to acute infection. It also forms biofilms, which protect it from external threats and are crucial for chronic infection. While some genes involved in initial colonization and biofilm formation are known, the mechanisms behind these processes remain poorly understood. Understanding these virulence factors could lead to new therapeutic targets. S. maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant organism that causes severe nosocomial infections, including pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. It is particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals, ICU patients, and those on high-dose antibiotics. S. maltophilia is commonly found in the airways of CF patients and is associated with increased mortality and the need for lung transplantation. It is also linked to lower forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and respiratory tract co-infections with other pathogens. S. maltophilia exhibits strong antibiotic resistance through various mechanisms, including efflux pumps and antibiotic-modifying enzymes. It can grow in the presence of many heavy metals, further complicating treatment. The bacterium produces a variety of virulence factors, such as lytic enzymes, secretion systems, and diffusible signaling factor (DSF), which regulate biofilm formation and other pathogenic processes. These factors contribute to its ability to colonize and persist in the host, leading to chronic infections. S. maltophilia also has a complex metabolism that influences its virulence, including iron acquisition and the use of various metabolic pathways. Understanding these metabolic processes could provide new insights into its pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. The bacterium's ability to form biofilms and its resistance to antibiotics make it a challenging pathogen to treat. Research into its virulence mechanisms, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation is essential for developing effective treatments and preventing its spread. Climate change is also expected to influence the transmission patterns of S. maltophilia, making it an increasingly significant global health concern.Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen that causes a wide range of infections, particularly severe lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), leading to high mortality rates. This Gram-negative bacterium is resistant to many antibiotics and possesses numerous virulence factors, including lytic enzymes and serine proteases, which contribute to acute infection. It also forms biofilms, which protect it from external threats and are crucial for chronic infection. While some genes involved in initial colonization and biofilm formation are known, the mechanisms behind these processes remain poorly understood. Understanding these virulence factors could lead to new therapeutic targets. S. maltophilia is a multidrug-resistant organism that causes severe nosocomial infections, including pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. It is particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals, ICU patients, and those on high-dose antibiotics. S. maltophilia is commonly found in the airways of CF patients and is associated with increased mortality and the need for lung transplantation. It is also linked to lower forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and respiratory tract co-infections with other pathogens. S. maltophilia exhibits strong antibiotic resistance through various mechanisms, including efflux pumps and antibiotic-modifying enzymes. It can grow in the presence of many heavy metals, further complicating treatment. The bacterium produces a variety of virulence factors, such as lytic enzymes, secretion systems, and diffusible signaling factor (DSF), which regulate biofilm formation and other pathogenic processes. These factors contribute to its ability to colonize and persist in the host, leading to chronic infections. S. maltophilia also has a complex metabolism that influences its virulence, including iron acquisition and the use of various metabolic pathways. Understanding these metabolic processes could provide new insights into its pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. The bacterium's ability to form biofilms and its resistance to antibiotics make it a challenging pathogen to treat. Research into its virulence mechanisms, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation is essential for developing effective treatments and preventing its spread. Climate change is also expected to influence the transmission patterns of S. maltophilia, making it an increasingly significant global health concern.