Dataset Information

Serratia marcescens Outbreak at a Correctional Facility: Environmental Sampling, Laboratory Analyses and Genomic Characterization to Assess Sources and Persistence.

ABSTRACT: Serratia marcescens is an environmental bacterium and clinical pathogen that can cause an array of infections. We describe an environmental sampling and comparative genomics approach used to investigate a multi-year outbreak of S. marcescens at a correctional facility. Whole genome sequencing analysis revealed a predominant cluster of clonally related S. marcescens from nine patient cases and items associated with illicit drug use. Closely related strains found among items associated with case-patient cells and diluted Cell Block 64 (CB64), a quaternary ammonium disinfectant, and Break Out (BO), a multipurpose cleaner, highlighted their role as environmental reservoirs for S. marcescens in this outbreak. Comparative genomic analysis suggested outbreak strains were both persistent (identical strains found over long periods and in multiple locations of the correctional facility) and diverse (strains clustered with multiple global samples from NCBI database). No correlation was found between antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes of outbreak strains; NCBI strains have more AMR genes. Principal component analysis (PCA) of virulence factors associated with persistence and infectivity indicated variation based on phylogroups, including the predominant cluster; identifiable variations among environmental versus clinical strains were not observed. Identification of multiple distinct genetic groups highlights the importance of putting epidemiological genomic studies in a proper genetic context.

SUBMITTER: Ferguson D

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10487681 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Serratia marcescens Outbreak at a Correctional Facility: Environmental Sampling, Laboratory Analyses and Genomic Characterization to Assess Sources and Persistence.

Ferguson Donna D Ryder Rahil R Lunsford Rawni R Dash Arie A Kamali Amanda A Kimura Akiko A Crandall John J Mukhopadhyay Rituparna R Dowless Heather H Ortiz Nancy N Jue Nathaniel K NK

International journal of environmental research and public health 20230904 17

Serratia marcescens is an environmental bacterium and clinical pathogen that can cause an array of infections. We describe an environmental sampling and comparative genomics approach used to investigate a multi-year outbreak of S. marcescens at a correctional facility. Whole genome sequencing analysis revealed a predominant cluster of clonally related S. marcescens from nine patient cases and items associated with illicit drug use. Closely related strains found among items a ...[more]

PMID: 37681849

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Project description:BackgroundSerratia marcescens is a gram-negative bacterium that is widespread in the environment. S. marcescens bacteremia can be fatal during pregnancy and cause persistent chorioamnionitis. This study reports an outbreak of Serratia marcescens bloodstream infection (BSI) among high-risk pregnant women in an obstetric ward. The purpose of this study is to report our experience with the usefulness of the ATP test in hospital environmental management and to confirm that bloodstream infections of patients with the same strain were correlated by WGS testing.MethodsThis retrospective study collected the data of inpatients with S. marcescens bacteremia in obstetric ward for high-risk pregnant women from August 22, 2021, to October 14, 2021. We performed: an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence test in the environment with a high-contact area; environmental culture; on-site monitoring and staff education; and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to evaluate genetic relationships among S. marcescens isolates.ResultsS. marcescens BSI occurred in four consecutive patients. None of the patients had central venous catheters. An ATP bioluminescence test revealed that high-contact areas and areas for injection preparation were not clean (≥ 1000 relative light units). However, S. marcescens was not identified in the environmental cultures, likely due to intensive environmental cleaning and discarding of potentially contaminated specimens before the culture test. On-site monitoring and education were conducted for 1 month. There were no further reports of BSI until 6 months after the last patient was discharged. WGS performed on three isolates from three patients indicated that the isolated S. marcescens was likely from the same strain.ConclusionsWe controlled an S. marcescens outbreak by improving environmental cleaning as well as education of and behavior changes in healthcare workers. Using the ATP bioluminescence test can provide feedback on environmental cleaning and education. WGS played a role in determining the spread of BSI caused by the same strain.

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Serratia marcescens Outbreak at a Correctional Facility: Environmental Sampling, Laboratory Analyses and Genomic Characterization to Assess Sources and Persistence.

Publications

<i>Serratia marcescens</i> Outbreak at a Correctional Facility: Environmental Sampling, Laboratory Analyses and Genomic Characterization to Assess Sources and Persistence.

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Dataset Information

Serratia marcescens Outbreak at a Correctional Facility: Environmental Sampling, Laboratory Analyses and Genomic Characterization to Assess Sources and Persistence.

Publications

&lt;i&gt;Serratia marcescens&lt;/i&gt; Outbreak at a Correctional Facility: Environmental Sampling, Laboratory Analyses and Genomic Characterization to Assess Sources and Persistence.

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OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

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<i>Serratia marcescens</i> Outbreak at a Correctional Facility: Environmental Sampling, Laboratory Analyses and Genomic Characterization to Assess Sources and Persistence.