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A Possible Outbreak by Serratia marcescens: Genetic Relatedness between Clinical and Environmental Strains
Giuseppina Caggiano1, Francesco Triggiano1, Giusy Diella1
1Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
Abstract:
Serratia marcescens (SM) is a Gram-negative bacterium that is frequently found in the environment. Since 1913, when its pathogenicity was first demonstrated, the number of infections caused by SM has increased. There is ample evidence that SM causes nosocomial infections in immunocompromised or critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs), but also in newborns admitted to neonatal ICUs (NICUs). In this study, we evaluated the possible genetic correlation by PFGE between clinical and environmental SM strains from NICU and ICU and compared the genetic profile of clinical strains with strains isolated from patients admitted to other wards of the same hospital. We found distinct clonally related groups of SM strains circulating among different wards of a large university hospital. In particular, the clonal relationship between clinical and environmental strains in NICU and ICU 1 was highlighted. The identification of clonal relationships between clinical and environmental strains in the wards allowed identification of the epidemic and rapid implementation of adequate measures to stop the spread of SM.
Insights
Serratia marcescens (SM) infections are increasing, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). This study found clonal links between environmental and clinical SM strains in NICUs and ICUs, enabling rapid control of outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Serratia marcescens (SM) is a Gram-negative bacterium increasingly associated with nosocomial infections.
- These infections pose significant risks to vulnerable populations in intensive care units (ICUs) and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic relatedness of clinical and environmental Serratia marcescens strains within a university hospital.
- To identify potential sources of SM transmission in NICU and ICU settings.
Main Methods:
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was employed to analyze the genetic profiles of clinical and environmental SM isolates.
- Strains were collected from NICU, ICU, and other hospital wards.
Main Results:
- Distinct clonal groups of SM strains were identified circulating across different hospital wards.
- A significant clonal relationship was observed between clinical and environmental SM strains within the NICU and ICU 1.
- This highlighted the transmission pathways between the hospital environment and patients.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully identified clonal relationships between environmental and clinical SM strains in critical care settings.
- This enabled the rapid detection of epidemic strains and the implementation of control measures to curb SM spread.
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