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Serratia marcescens infections and outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units

A Dessì1, M Puddu, M Testa

  • 1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Mista Ospedaliero Universitaria, Italy.

Journal of Chemotherapy (Florence, Italy)
|November 26, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Serratia marcescens outbreaks are a significant threat in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This review details prevention and control strategies to combat these hospital-acquired infections in newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatology
  • Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

  • Serratia marcescens is a notable cause of hospital-acquired infections, particularly within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
  • Neonatal populations are especially vulnerable to severe outcomes from these infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review clinical signs, risk factors, sources, and management of Serratia marcescens infections in newborns.
  • To analyze outbreaks of Serratia marcescens in NICUs over the past decade.
  • To highlight effective prevention and control strategies for Serratia outbreaks in NICUs.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of published literature on PubMed concerning Serratia marcescens outbreaks in NICUs within the last 10 years.
  • Analysis of clinical data, epidemiological factors, and therapeutic interventions reported in the selected studies.

Main Results:

  • Identified key clinical manifestations, risk factors, and common sources of Serratia marcescens infection in neonates.
  • Documented various outbreak scenarios and their impact on NICU environments.
  • Summarized commonly employed therapeutic approaches and management protocols.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of Serratia marcescens in NICUs requires a multi-faceted approach.
  • Stringent infection control measures, including hygiene, disinfection, and patient management, are crucial for preventing and controlling outbreaks.
  • Continuous vigilance and implementation of evidence-based strategies are essential to protect vulnerable newborns.

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