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A Serratia marcescens outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit was successfully managed by rapid hospital hygiene interventions and screening
Author(s) -
Åttman Emilia,
Korhonen Päivi,
Tammela Outi,
Vuento Risto,
Aittoniemi Janne,
Syrjänen Jaana,
Mattila Erja,
Österblad Monica,
Huttunen Reetta
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.14132
Subject(s) - medicine , outbreak , neonatal intensive care unit , serratia marcescens , hygiene , infection control , intensive care unit , emergency medicine , pediatrics , psychological intervention , intensive care , sepsis , intensive care medicine , nursing , biochemistry , chemistry , escherichia coli , virology , pathology , gene
Aim Serratia marcescens is a rare, but important, pathogen in hospital‐acquired infections, especially in neonatal units. Outbreaks may cause significant mortality among neonates. This study describes how an outbreak of S. marcescens was handled in a neonatal intensive care unit in Finland in June 2015. Methods Tampere University Hospital is the only hospital that offers intensive care for preterm neonates in the Pirkanmaa health district area in Finland. Between June 9, 2015 and June 29, 2015, seven neonates were screened positive for S. marcescens in the hospital. We examined the management and outcomes, including environmental sampling. Results Two of the seven neonates developed a bloodstream infection, and one with S. marcescens sepsis died after six days of antibiotic treatment. The outbreak was rapidly managed with active hospital hygiene interventions, including strict hand hygiene, cleaning, patient screening, contact precautions and education. Environmental sampling was limited to one water tap and a ventilator, and the results were negative. The outbreak was contained within three weeks, and no further cases appeared. The screening of healthcare workers was not necessary. Conclusion A S . marcescens outbreak caused significant morbidity in neonates and one death. Rapid hospital hygiene interventions and patient screening effectively contained the outbreak.