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Outbreak of neonatal infection by an endemic clone of Serratia marcescens

Karla Valéria Batista Lima1, Raimundo Gladson Corrêa Carvalho, Irna Carla do Rosário Souza Carneiro

  • 1Bacteriology and Mycology Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, PA, Brazil. karlalima@iec.pa.gov.br

Revista Da Sociedade Brasileira De Medicina Tropical
|February 23, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A Serratia marcescens outbreak in 2006 was investigated, revealing an endemic clone responsible for infecting 24 patients, primarily neonates. This study highlights the complex factors contributing to such hospital-acquired infections.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • An outbreak of Serratia marcescens occurred between February and June 2006.
  • Investigation involved case identification, medical record analysis, environmental cultures, resistance profiling, and genotyping.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the source and characteristics of the Serratia marcescens outbreak.
  • To understand the contributing factors to the outbreak's spread and impact.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 13 blood isolates, 17 rectal/hand swabs, and air samples.
  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for strain typing.
  • Resistance analysis and genotyping of Serratia marcescens.

Main Results:

  • Three distinct strains of Serratia marcescens were identified as the cause of the outbreak.
  • Twenty-four patients were contaminated, with systemic infection most common in neonates.
  • Risk factors included low birth weight, prolonged hospitalization, prematurity, and mechanical ventilation.

Conclusions:

  • The outbreak was multifactorial, involving an endemic clone of Serratia marcescens.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for preventing future nosocomial infections.

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