Serrating through vascular access catheters: a great masquerader with severe systemic manifestations

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Apr 7;14(4):e242013. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-242013.

Abstract

Serratia marcescens, time and again, has demonstrated its ability to easily adhere and infect vascular access catheters, making them a bona fide source of hospital outbreaks and contributing to adverse patient outcomes. We present a unique case of a severe recurrent Serratia infection, leading to persistent bacteria in the blood, haematogenous dissemination and subsequent development of abscesses, to a degree not reported in the literature before. These infections are exceedingly challenging to eradicate, owing to multiple virulence mechanisms and the deep seeding ability of this microorganism. Serratia infections require a multifaceted approach with intricacies in identification, therapeutics and surveillance, all of which are sparsely reported in the literature and reviewed in this report.

Keywords: general practice / family medicine; infection (gastroenterology); infection control in hospital; nosocomial infections; valvar diseases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Catheters
  • Cross Infection*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Humans
  • Serratia Infections* / diagnosis
  • Serratia Infections* / drug therapy
  • Serratia marcescens