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Leg ulcers and abscesses caused by Serratia marcescens
Marie-Luise Langrock1, Hans-Jörg Linde, Michael Landthaler
1Department of Dermatology, University of Regensburg 93042, German.
European Journal of Dermatology : EJD
|October 29, 2008
Summary
Cutaneous infections caused by Serratia marcescens are rare, often affecting immunocompromised individuals. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, such as ertapenem and ciprofloxacin, are crucial for successful healing.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cutaneous infections caused by Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens), a gram-negative bacillus, are uncommon.
- These infections may be predisposed by immunocompromised conditions or pre-damaged skin.
Observation:
- A 73-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on corticosteroids and post-thrombotic syndrome presented with severe leg ulcers and nodules.
- Serratia marcescens was the sole pathogen identified from multiple cultures of the lesions.
Findings:
- Initial treatment with oral penicillin was ineffective.
- Microbial sensitivity testing guided the administration of intravenous ertapenem for 10 days, followed by oral ciprofloxacin for 7 days.
- This targeted antibiotic regimen led to complete resolution of all cutaneous lesions.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of specific microbiological diagnosis for rare cutaneous infections.
- Adapted antibiotic therapy based on sensitivity testing is essential for effective treatment of S. marcescens skin infections.
- Clinicians should consider S. marcescens in the differential diagnosis of severe, non-healing leg ulcers, especially in immunocompromised patients.
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