Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
Rapid and Specific Detection of Acinetobacter baumannii Infections Using a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification/Cas12a-based System
Published on: April 25, 2025
Prolonged outbreak of Serratia marcescens in Tartu University Hospital: a case-control study
Vivika Adamson1, Piret Mitt, Heti Pisarev
1Department of Infection Control, Tartu University Hospital, Puusepa 1a, 50406, Tartu, Estonia. vivika.adamson@kliinikum.ee
Background:
The aim of our study was to investigate and control an outbreak and identify risk factors for colonization and infection with Serratia marcescens in two departments in Tartu University Hospital.
Methods:
The retrospective case-control study was conducted from July 2005 to December 2006. Molecular typing by pulsed field gel electrophoresis was used to confirm the relatedness of Serratia marcescens strains. Samples from the environment and from the hands of personnel were cultured.
Results:
The outbreak involved 210 patients, 61 (29%) developed an infection, among them 16 were invasive infections. Multivariate analysis identified gestational age, arterial catheter use and antibiotic treatment as independent risk factors for colonization and infection with Serratia marcescens. Molecular typing was performed on 83 Serratia marcescens strains, 81 of them were identical and 2 strains were different.
Conclusions:
Given the occasionally severe consequences of Serratia marcescens in infants, early implementation of aggressive infection control measures involving patients and mothers as well as the personnel is of utmost importance.
Insights
Serratia marcescens outbreaks in hospitals can be controlled by identifying risk factors like gestational age and catheter use. Aggressive infection control measures are crucial for preventing severe infant infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Investigated a Serratia marcescens outbreak in two Tartu University Hospital departments.
- Aimed to control the outbreak and identify risk factors for colonization and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and control a Serratia marcescens outbreak.
- To identify independent risk factors for Serratia marcescens colonization and infection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case-control study (July 2005 - December 2006).
- Molecular typing using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
- Environmental and personnel hand cultures.
Main Results:
- Outbreak affected 210 patients; 61 (29%) developed infection, including 16 invasive infections.
- Independent risk factors identified: gestational age, arterial catheter use, antibiotic treatment.
- PFGE confirmed 81 of 83 Serratia marcescens strains were identical.
Conclusions:
- Serratia marcescens poses severe risks, especially to infants.
- Early, aggressive infection control involving patients, mothers, and personnel is vital.
- Implementing control measures can mitigate outbreak impact.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation