Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant <i>Serratia marcescens</i> Infection in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

A single epidemic strain of MDR S. marcescens spread rapidly and threatened to become endemic in this NICU. Transient carriage on the hands of healthcare personnel or on respiratory care equipment was the likely mode of transmission. Cohorting patients and staff, at the cost of bed closures and additional personnel, interrupted transmission and halted the outbreak.