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Isolation of Serratia plymuthica from a human burn site
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|April 1, 1985
Abstract:
The saprophytic bacterium Serratia plymuthica was recovered from a facial wound (burn) site of a pediatric patient. The clinical significance of the organism was undetermined due to its apparent eradication from this location by therapy with topical 1% silver sulfadiazine. Seeding of the burn with S. plymuthica may have occurred from contaminated moisture sometimes found on and around steam radiators.
Insights
Serratia plymuthica, a bacterium, was found in a child's burn wound. Treatment with silver sulfadiazine successfully removed the bacteria, leaving its clinical significance uncertain.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Saprophytic bacteria can cause opportunistic infections.
- Pediatric burn wounds are susceptible to bacterial colonization.
- Silver sulfadiazine is a common topical antimicrobial agent for burns.
Observation:
- Serratia plymuthica was identified in a pediatric facial burn wound.
- The bacterium was present at the wound site before treatment.
- The source of contamination may be environmental, such as steam radiators.
Findings:
- Topical 1% silver sulfadiazine therapy effectively eradicated Serratia plymuthica from the burn wound.
- The clinical significance of Serratia plymuthica in this pediatric case remains undetermined.
- The bacterium's presence suggests potential environmental contamination routes into wounds.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of identifying bacterial contaminants in wounds, even saprophytic ones.
- Effective antimicrobial therapy can manage wound infections caused by Serratia plymuthica.
- Environmental hygiene around burn patients is crucial to prevent wound seeding.