An Outbreak of<i>Serratia marcescens</i>Bloodstream Infections Associated With Misuse of Drug Vials in a Surgical Ward

Abstract

We report an outbreak of Serratia marcescens bloodstream infection due to contamination of total parenteral nutrition solution by insulin or poligeline solution when single-use vials were used for multiple doses in a surgical ward. Four patients had severe sepsis, and no patient died. Multidose vials, used either correctly or incorrectly, may be associated with bloodstream infection.