Infection with an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing strain of Serratia marcescens following tongue reconstruction

J Clin Microbiol. 2003 May;41(5):2233-4. doi: 10.1128/JCM.41.5.2233-2234.2003.

Abstract

We report a case of postsurgical wound infection of polymicrobial etiology caused by Serratia marcescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa following the use of a radial forearm free flap for oncological tongue reconstruction. S. marcescens was a producer of SHV-12 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL). This is the first report from India of this ESBL. S. marcescens and P. aeruginosa were resistant to the empirical perioperative antibiotics administered. Delay in the recognition of the type of infection and in the institution of appropriate therapy resulted in total loss of the free flap.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / adverse effects
  • Pseudomonas Infections / etiology
  • Serratia Infections / etiology*
  • Serratia marcescens / enzymology*
  • Serratia marcescens / genetics
  • Serratia marcescens / pathogenicity*
  • Surgical Flaps
  • Surgical Wound Infection / etiology*
  • Tongue / surgery*
  • Tongue Neoplasms / surgery
  • beta-Lactamases / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • beta-Lactamases