LONG-TERM EVOLUTION OF MULTIPLE OUTBREAKS OF SERRATIA MARCESCENS BACTEREMIA IN A NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

The annual incidence of Serratia marcescens bacteremia in a neonatal intensive care unit increased significantly between 2002 and 2010. Molecular epidemiology studies revealed that 8 clones were responsible for 85.2% of cases. Given that these infections are potentially preventable, even the appearance of 1 case of bacteremia should be an indicator for outbreak management.