Implementation of a PCR-based strategy to control an outbreak by Serratia marcescens in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical and epidemiological impact of a new molecular surveillance strategy based on qPCR to control an outbreak by Serratia marcescens in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Methods

We design a specific qPCR for the detection of S. marcescens in rectal swabs of patients admitted to a NICU. We divided the surveillance study into two periods: (a) the pre-PCR, from the outbreak declaration to the qPCR introduction, and (b) the PCR period, from the introduction of the qPCR until the outbreak was solved. In all cases, S. marcescens isolates were recovered and their clonal relationship was analysed by PFGE. Control measures were implemented during the outbreak. Finally, the number of bloodstream infections (BSI) was investigated in order to evaluate

SUBMITTER: Rodriguez-Villodres A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10714559 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature