II. Definitions
- Serratia
- Genus in the Enterobacteriaceae family
- Grouped with ESP Gram Negative Bacteria (Enterobacter, Serratia, Providencia)
- Facultatively anaerobic, motile Gram-negative rods
- Serratia species are found in in the environment (soil, water and on plant surfaces)
- Serratia Marcescens is the most common human pathogen in the genus, and the focus of this page
- Several other species are similar to S. Marcescens and are consider part of S. Marcescens complex
- Serratia nematodiphila
- Serratia bockelmannii
- Serratia ureilytica
- Serratia nevei
III. Pathophysiology
- Serratia Marcescens is a facultatively anaerobic, motile, Gram-negative rod in the Enterobacteriaceae family
- Discovered in 1819 by Italian pharmacist, Bizio
- Grouped with ESP Gram Negative Bacteria (Enterobacter, Serratia, Providencia)
- Found in soil, water, and on plant surfaces
- Serratia Marcescens causes opportunistic infections
- Unique Characteristics
- Produces a distinct, bright red pigment
- Multi-drug Resistance
IV. Risk Factors
- Elderly with comorbidities
- Newborns (esp. NICU)
- Nosocomial Infections (esp. Intensive Care patients, colonizes ICU water sinks)
V. Associated Conditions
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Wound Infections
- Pneumonia
- Neonatal bacteremia
VI. Management: Antibiotics
- Precautions
- Serratia Marcescens demonstrates significant multi-drug Resistance
- Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection
- Systemic infections