Outbreak of neonatal infection by an endemic clone of Serratia marcescen

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The outbreak occurred between February and June 2006 and included identification of the cases, analysis of medical records, cultures from environmental sources, resistance analyses and genotyping profile of Serratia marcescens. Methods: The cultures were composed of 13 blood isolates, 17 rectal and hand swabs and air sampling. Results: The data obtained by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis exhibited three strains that contaminated 24 patients. Systemic infection was the most common in neonates with lower weight, long periods of hospitalization, premature delivery and the use of mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: This investigation revealed the multifactorial nature of the outbreak. An endemic clone of S. marcescens was detected.(AU)

RESUMO

Introdução: O surto ocorreu entre fevereiro a junho de 2006 e incluiu identificacão de casos, analise dos prontuarios, culturas ambientais, analisede resistencia e genotipagem dos isolados de Serratia marcescens. Métodos: Os cultivos foram compostos de 13 isolados de sangue e 17 swabs de reto e mãos e amostras do ar. Resultados: Os dados obtidos por eletroforese de campo pulsado evidenciaram tres cepas que contaminaram 24 pacientes. Infeccão sistemica foi mais comum em neonatos com menor peso, longo tempo de internacão, nascimento prematuro e uso de respiracão mecânica. Conclusões: Foi evidenciada a natureza multifatorial do surto. Foi encontrado um clone endemico de S. marcescens. (AU)