An outbreak of Serratia marcescens infections in a neonatal unit.
Over a 15-month period 732 babies were admitted to a neonatal unit, and Serratia marcescens was isolated from 153 (21%). In one-fifth (34) a clinical infection (9 major and 25 minor) developed. Major infection was associated with high mortality and morbidity and 2 cases presented after the neonatal period. No environmental reservoir was found. Colonised symptom-free neonates were considered to be the source, with transmission by staff-baby contact despite adequate hand-washing. Overcrowding was believed to be responsible for the difficulties experienced in eradicating this transmission.
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004739:England; D004756:Enterobacteriaceae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009725:Nurseries, Hospital; D012706:Serratia marcescens / Q000302:isolation & purification