Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 30, 2026

In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection
08:03

In Vivo Mouse Model of Spinal Implant Infection

Published on: June 23, 2020

2.5K

Outbreak of meningitis due to Serratia marcescens after spinal anaesthesia

G Ersoz1, M Uguz1, G Aslan2

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Mersin University, School of Medicine, Mersin, Turkey.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|May 13, 2014
PubMed

Insights

A Serratia marcescens outbreak caused meningitis in 12 patients after spinal anaesthesia for C-sections. Contaminated medications used during anaesthesia were identified as the source, highlighting the need for infection control.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Anesthesiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Meningitis outbreaks pose significant public health risks.
  • Caesarean sections are common procedures, increasing potential exposure.
  • Anaesthesia-associated infections require vigilant monitoring and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate an outbreak of meningitis following spinal anaesthesia.
  • To identify the causative agent and source of infection.
  • To discuss strategies for preventing anaesthesia-associated infections.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case study of patients undergoing caesarean section.
  • Microbiological analysis of clinical samples and anaesthesia-related medications.
  • Epidemiological investigation to determine the source of contamination.

Main Results:

  • 12 out of 46 patients developed bacterial meningitis after spinal anaesthesia.
  • Serratia marcescens was identified as the causative pathogen.
  • Contamination of prefilled syringes and medication bags used in spinal anaesthesia was confirmed.

Conclusions:

  • Extrinsic contamination of anaesthesia medications led to the S. marcescens outbreak.
  • Strict adherence to aseptic techniques is crucial for preventing anaesthesia-associated infections.
  • Enhanced surveillance and infection control protocols are necessary in operating theatres.
Keywords:
Infection controlMeningitisOutbreakSerratia marcescensSpinal anaesthesia

More Related Videos

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review04:33

Spinal Hernia Repair and Cauda Equina Repositioning After Lumbar Decompression under Three-Dimensional Microscopy: A Case Report and Literature Review

Published on: November 8, 2024

1.1K
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients03:47

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients

Published on: October 25, 2024

823

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
14
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia01:11

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia

Spinal anesthetics are given during lower abdomen and limb surgeries to block sensory and motor neurons. They are administered in the mid to low lumbar regions, primarily acting on the cauda equina's nerve roots. The blockade level depends on the local anesthetic (LA) concentration. Usually, low LA concentrations are sufficient to block sensory fibers, while only high LA concentrations block motor fibers. Other factors like injection volume and speed, the patient's posture, and the drug...
2.0K
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
196
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
19
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia01:29

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia

Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
1.0K
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial...
20