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Identification of Serratia marcescens populations of nosocomial origin by RAPD-PCR
José Antonio Enciso-Moreno1, Norma Pernas-Buitrón, Maribel Ortiz-Herrera
1Laboratorio de Biología Molecular, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Parasitarias, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI (CMNSXXI), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico.
Background:
Serratia marcescens has been increasingly identified as a cause of infection in the immunocompromised host and in high-mortality-rate nosocomial outbreaks. It is thus important to use identification methods that allow study of the dynamics and evolution of nosocomial S. marcescens strains. The aim of this study was to identify S. marcescens strains isolated from nosocomial outbreaks in two pediatric hospitals by random amplification polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR).
Methods:
RAPD-PCR was used to study five S. marcescens populations isolated from four different nosocomial outbreaks that occurred in two pediatric hospitals. This method was compared with the widely used biotyping system described by Grimont and Grimont.
Results:
The combination of biotypification and RAPD-PCR allowed accurate identification of S. marcescens strains isolated in nosocomial outbreaks at pediatric hospitals; by RAPD-PCR, we were able to analyze clonal variations in S. marcescens populations. We established bacterial dissemination patterns in hospital environments according to hospital administration of medical services and compared changes in bacterial DNA amplification patterns in each hospital related with clonal variations by selective pressures.
Conclusions:
RAPD-PCR is a useful method to identify S. marcescens strains associated with nosocomial outbreaks.
Insights
Random Amplification Polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR) effectively identifies Serratia marcescens strains from hospital outbreaks. This method aids in understanding bacterial evolution and dissemination patterns in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Serratia marcescens is an emerging pathogen in immunocompromised individuals and a cause of high-mortality nosocomial outbreaks.
- Effective identification methods are crucial for studying the dynamics and evolution of nosocomial S. marcescens strains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify S. marcescens strains from nosocomial outbreaks in pediatric hospitals using Random Amplification Polymorphic DNA-PCR (RAPD-PCR).
Main Methods:
- RAPD-PCR was employed to analyze five S. marcescens populations from four nosocomial outbreaks in two pediatric hospitals.
- The RAPD-PCR method was compared against the established biotyping system by Grimont and Grimont.
Main Results:
- The combined use of biotypification and RAPD-PCR enabled precise identification of S. marcescens strains from pediatric hospital nosocomial outbreaks.
- RAPD-PCR facilitated the analysis of clonal variations within S. marcescens populations, revealing bacterial dissemination patterns and clonal evolution under selective pressures.
Conclusions:
- RAPD-PCR is a valuable and effective technique for identifying Serratia marcescens strains implicated in nosocomial outbreaks.
