is a ubiquitous bacterium from order Enterobacterales displaying a high genetic plasticity that allows it to adapt and persist in multiple niches including soil, water, plants, and nosocomial environments (1)
is an emerging pathogen worldwide, provoking infections and outbreaks in debilitated individuals, particularly newborns and patients in intensive care units
in the nosocomial setting S. marcescens infections this microorganism has been isolated from catheters, oxygenation devices, prefilled syringes, needles, parenteral solutions, milk-drawers, sinks, nails, and hands of health care workers (1)
has been also found in disinfectant solutions or double-distilled water, reflecting its enormous metabolic versatility and capability to adapt and survive in adverse environments
spectrum of infections caused by Serratia includes pulmonary, CNS, conjuctival, urinary tract, joint, skin, wound, catheter, prosthetic device-related infections, and septicaemia (2)
S. marcescens is easily recognizable in culture due to the production of a distinct red pigment, prodigiosin
the reddish mucoid expectoration in case of Serratia pulmonary infection can be mistaken for hemoptysis (2)
S. marcescens isolates recovered from clinical settings are frequently described as multidrug resistant (1)
Reference:
Tavares-Carreon F et al. Serratia marcescens antibiotic resistance mechanisms of an opportunistic pathogen: a literature review. PeerJ. 2023 Jan 5;11:e14399.
Ranjan M, Karade S, Sen S, Srinivas V. Pseudohemoptysis in an elderly due to Serratia marcescens pneumonitis. Med J Armed Forces India. 2018 Oct;74(4):383-385.
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