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Epidemiological markers of Serratia marcescens isolates causing nosocomial infections in Spain (1981-1991)
T Boquete1, A Vindel, C Martin-Bourgon
1Servicio de Bacteriología, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Madrid, España.
Abstract:
The distribution of epidemiological markers (serotyping and phage-typing) of Serratia marcescens isolates from nosocomial episodes (63 nosocomial cutbreaks with 475 isolates, and 1208 sporadic cases) received in our laboratory during the period 1981-1991 was studied. The records for 1683 isolates from Spanish hospitals have been analyzed. In relation with the sporadic cases, the predominant types were serotype O6 (13.4%) and serotype O14 (11.4%); polyagglutinable strains accounted for 15.6%; in outbreaks, type O14 is clearly predominant (27.4%). Phage-typing was a good secondary marker, with a 87.9% of typability; the number of lytic patterns was very high, extended patterns (six or more phages) being the most frequent. We have studied the characteristics of S. marcescens isolates causing infections in the nosocomial environment in Spain.
Insights
Epidemiological markers of Serratia marcescens were studied in Spanish hospitals from 1981-1991. Serotype O14 was predominant in nosocomial outbreaks, while O6 and O14 were common in sporadic cases.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Serratia marcescens is a significant nosocomial pathogen.
- Understanding its epidemiological markers is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the distribution of serotyping and phage-typing markers of Serratia marcescens isolates from Spanish hospitals.
- To characterize Serratia marcescens strains causing nosocomial infections between 1981 and 1991.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 1683 Serratia marcescens isolates from Spanish hospitals.
- Epidemiological marker analysis including serotyping and phage-typing.
- Distinguishing between isolates from nosocomial outbreaks and sporadic cases.
Main Results:
- Serotype O14 was predominant in nosocomial outbreaks (27.4%).
- For sporadic cases, serotypes O6 (13.4%) and O14 (11.4%) were most common, with polyagglutinable strains at 15.6%.
- Phage-typing showed high typability (87.9%) with numerous lytic patterns, frequently extended.
Conclusions:
- Serotype O14 is a key marker for Serratia marcescens outbreaks in Spain.
- Serotyping and phage-typing are valuable tools for tracking Serratia marcescens epidemiology in nosocomial settings.
- Characterization of these markers aids in understanding and controlling hospital-acquired infections.