Serratia Marcesens

Question 1

S. marcesens general

Answer 1

common in the environment
prodigiosins produced by serratia give rise to red color
infections seen 2ndary to broad spectrum antibiotic therapy or instrumentation (tracheotomy, catheters, renal dialysis)
can involve most tissues-pneumonia after use of contaminated respirator
less likely to colonize GI and more associated with respiratory and urinary tract
however, GI is an important reservoir among neonates
outside hospital, associated with heroin addicts
outpatient, septic arthritis

Question 2

Serratia characteristics

Answer 2

Produces MS-fimbrae, proteases, siderophores that may be virulence factors
exhibits swarming motility that may aid in colonization of urinary tract