Rapidly controlled outbreak of Serratia marcescens infection/colonisations in a neonatal intensive care unit, Pescara General Hospital, Pescara, Italy, April 2011

Abstract

In April 2011, an outbreak of Serratia marcescens infection/colonisations occurred in the neonatal intensive care unit of Pescara General Hospital. Rapid microbiological investigations lead to identification of five cases of likely cross-transmission from a neonate hospitalised for S. marcescens sepsis: four infections and one neonate colonised post-mortem. Two low birth weight neonates died. The environmental investigation detected S. marcescens from two soap dispensers. Strict hygiene measures lead to early interruption of the outbreak, without recurrences to date.

An Outbreak of Serratia marcescens on the Neonatal Unit: Description and Investigations

“…Previous publications have reported various sources of contamination such as breast pumps [5], plastic bottles used for umbilical irrigation [9], scalp vein needles [10], soap dispensers [11] or nail brushes [12], but no source was identified in our study.…”

Duodenal microbiota composition and mucosal homeostasis in pediatric celiac disease

“…was also found to be present in higher abundance in CD. The phylogenetic microarray targets mainly S. marcescens , which is considered as an opportunistic pathogen able to cause invasive infections (sepsis, meningitis, pneumonitis) in neonates [45,46]. These bacteria may impair the intestinal integrity, but their possible role in CD remains to be elucidated.…”

Pathogen-Specific Clustering of Nosocomial Blood Stream Infections in Very Preterm Infants

“…An increased role for environmental sources has indeed been documented for S marcescens and P aeruginosa, as compared with other pathogens. Numerous reports have identified soaps and shampoos as reservoirs for S marcescens [30][31][32][33] and P aeruginosa. 34,35 Water systems can act as a source of S marcescens 36 and P aeruginosa.…”