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[Hospital infection due to Serratia marcescens and its sensitivity to antibiotics]
Abstract:
A total of 164 isolations of Serratia marcescens achieved during 1978-1979 at the Hospital Infantil de México in children with various pathology due to this bacteria were studied. Most of the cases were debilitated patients from the newborns and prematures wards and contagious and surgery departments. The most frequent isolations were from wounds and abscesses (76 cases), the same as from meningitis (22 cases) and sepsis (12 patients). Serratia marcescens showed a high degree of resistance (87-100%) to the following antibiotics: carbenicillin, colimycin, chloramphenicol, phosphomicin, ampicillin and cephalothin. To gestamicin and kanamycin, 42% of strains were sensitive. Amikacin was the most effective drug with 92% of strains susceptible to it. The history of this bacteria, its mode of transmission, frequency of infections and resistance to antibiotics found in foreign institutions are commented. Likewise, the difficulty for the precision bacteriologic diagnosis is emphasized as the possible main cause for the ignorance in Mexico of infections due to this bacteria.
Insights
Serratia marcescens infections were common in hospitalized children, particularly in newborns and debilitated patients. Amikacin showed high effectiveness against resistant strains, unlike many other antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Hospital-acquired infections pose significant challenges, especially in vulnerable populations.
Purpose:
- To analyze the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of Serratia marcescens in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of various antibiotics against isolated strains.
Summary:
- A study of 164 Serratia marcescens isolates from pediatric patients (1978-1979) revealed high resistance to common antibiotics like carbenicillin and chloramphenicol.
- Wounds, abscesses, meningitis, and sepsis were common infection sites. Amikacin demonstrated 92% susceptibility, while gentamicin and kanamycin showed 42% sensitivity.
- Bacteriological diagnostic challenges may contribute to under-recognition of Serratia marcescens infections in Mexico.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for vigilant surveillance of Serratia marcescens infections in pediatric settings.
- Informs antibiotic stewardship by identifying effective treatment options like amikacin.
- Underscores the importance of accurate bacteriological diagnosis for effective infection control.