title: Intracranial complications of Serratia marcescens infection in neonates.
abstract: Even though Serratia marcescens is not one of the most common causes of infection in neonates, it is associated with grave morbidity and mortality. We describe the evolution of brain parenchymal affectation observed in association with S. marcescens infection in neonates. This retrospective case series details brain ultrasound findings of five neonates with hospital-acquired S. marcescens infection. Neonatal S. marcescens infection with or without associated meningitis can be complicated by brain parenchymal affectation, leading to cerebral abscess formation. It is recommended that all neonates with this infection should undergo neuro-imaging more than once before discharge from hospital; this can be achieved using bedside ultrasonography.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg Children's Hospital, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. madide@sun.ac.za.
authors.forename: Ayanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Madide
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D001922:Brain Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D016868:Serratia Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D012706:Serratia marcescens; D014463:Ultrasonography