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Skin Abscess due to Serratia marcescens in an Immunocompetent Patient after Receiving a Tattoo

J Diranzo García1, J Villodre Jiménez1, V Zarzuela Sánchez1

  • 1Servicio de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Avenida Tres Cruces 2, 46014 Valencia, Spain.

Case Reports in Infectious Diseases
|September 11, 2015
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare Serratia marcescens skin infection following a tattoo in an otherwise healthy individual. The infection, presenting as an abscess, was successfully treated with surgery and targeted antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Dermatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Serratia marcescens skin infections are uncommon, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.
  • Tattoo-associated infections are rare, often linked to poor hygiene or tattoo artist inexperience.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first known case of Serratia marcescens skin infection after tattooing in an immunocompetent patient.
  • To highlight the clinical presentation and management of this rare infection.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a 32-year-old male with a tattoo-associated abscess.
  • Diagnostic procedures included bacterial culture and antibiogram.
  • Treatment involved surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy guided by susceptibility testing.

Main Results:

  • An abscess caused by Serratia marcescens developed one month post-tattooing.
  • The patient had no underlying comorbidities or immunosuppression.
  • The infection resolved following surgical drainage and appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Serratia marcescens can cause skin infections in immunocompetent individuals following tattooing.
  • Prompt diagnosis and targeted antimicrobial therapy are crucial for successful treatment.
  • This case underscores the importance of sterile techniques in tattooing procedures.

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