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A six-month Serratia marcescens outbreak in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Áurea Morillo1, Verónica González2, Josefa Aguayo3

  • 1Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain.

Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica
|February 23, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) outbreak in a neonatal unit was traced to environmental sources, likely due to inadequate cleaning. Strict hygiene measures successfully ended the outbreak.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) infections
  • Clinical microbiology
  • Infectious disease epidemiology

Background:

  • Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) poses a significant threat in healthcare settings, particularly to vulnerable neonatal populations.
  • Outbreaks in Neonatal Units require rapid investigation and control to prevent further morbidity and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the source and transmission dynamics of a Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) outbreak in a Neonatal Unit.
  • To identify contributing factors and implement effective control measures.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted on infected neonates.
  • Conventional and molecular microbiological methods were used for isolate characterization and source identification.
  • Environmental sampling and clonal analysis of S. marcescens isolates were performed.

Main Results:

  • Eighteen neonates were infected, with an overall attack rate of 12% and a case fatality rate of 23.5% in the NICU.
  • Pneumonia, conjunctivitis, and bloodstream infections were the most common presentations.
  • Molecular typing revealed a unique clone linking clinical and environmental isolates from an incubator.

Conclusions:

  • The outbreak likely originated from an environmental source, possibly stored water or incubator surfaces, exacerbated by cleaning failures.
  • Implementation of strict hygiene and enhanced cleaning protocols was crucial in controlling and resolving the S. marcescens outbreak.
Keywords:
Brote epidémicoDisease outbreakHealthcare-associated infectionInfección asociada a la asistencia sanitariaInfección nosocomialIntensive Care UnitsNeonatalNeonatalesNosocomial InfectionSerratia marcescensUnidades de Cuidados Intensivos

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