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Outbreak of Serratia marcescens infection in a neonatal intensive care unit
G A Prasad1, P G Jones, J Michaels
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Sinai Samaritan Medical Center, Milwaukee, USA.
Abstract:
We report an outbreak of Serratia marcescens infection in the neonatal intensive care unit of a community hospital. The outbreak involved eight neonates, (five infected and three colonized), one of whom died. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis confirmed that all isolates were identical strains. Cohorting and isolation of the infected neonates helped to control the outbreak. No environmental source of infection was found.
Insights
A Serratia marcescens outbreak infected eight neonates in a NICU, resulting in one death. Prompt isolation and cohorting of infected infants contained the serious bacterial infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Care
- Microbiology
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are vulnerable settings for hospital-acquired infections.
- Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe infections in vulnerable populations.
- Outbreaks of multidrug-resistant organisms in NICUs pose significant challenges to patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe an outbreak of Serratia marcescens infection in a community hospital NICU.
- To identify the source and transmission dynamics of the outbreak.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of control measures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of neonates admitted to the NICU during the outbreak period.
- Microbiological analysis of clinical isolates using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
- Environmental and staff screening to identify potential sources.
Main Results:
- Eight neonates were affected (five infected, three colonized) by an identical strain of Serratia marcescens.
- One neonate died during the outbreak.
- Despite thorough investigation, no environmental source of the infection was identified.
Conclusions:
- Serratia marcescens outbreaks in NICUs require prompt and effective infection control interventions.
- Cohorting and isolation are crucial for managing such outbreaks.
- The lack of an identified environmental source highlights the challenges in preventing and controlling Gram-negative bacilli outbreaks in NICUs.