Meningoencephalitis due to serratia marcescens infection in neonates

Hum Pathol. 1984 Jul;15(7):651-6. doi: 10.1016/s0046-8177(84)80290-7.

Abstract

Six autopsy cases of Serratia meningoencephalitis were reported. The symptoms of this infection become apparent at an early stage in neonates; the meningoencephalitis in these six cases was severe, with or without inflammatory lesions in other organs. Serratia marcescens was originally described as a nonpathogenic organism; however, it is believed that after entering the blood stream of neonates, it becomes pathogenic, especially to the central nervous system. Meningoencephalitis due to Serratia marcescens is very severe and takes a rapid and progressive course against which no antibiotics have been found effective. Prevention of this infection is therefore considered of crucial importance.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / cytology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / microbiology
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins / analysis
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Meningoencephalitis / microbiology*
  • Serratia marcescens / isolation & purification*
  • Serratia marcescens / pathogenicity

Substances

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins