Acquisition of multidrug-resistant Serratia marcescens by critically ill patients who consumed tap water during receipt of oral medication

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2006 Jul;27(7):774-7. doi: 10.1086/504445. Epub 2006 Jun 9.

Abstract

We describe an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Serratia marcescens infection and colonization involving adults admitted to a surgical intensive care unit. Examination of the outbreak revealed epidemiological evidence that consumption of tap water from a contaminated faucet during receipt of oral medication was the mechanism of S. marcescens acquisition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Critical Illness*
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / etiology*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field
  • Humans
  • Serratia Infections / epidemiology
  • Serratia Infections / transmission*
  • Serratia marcescens / drug effects*
  • Serratia marcescens / isolation & purification
  • Spain / epidemiology
  • Water Microbiology*
  • Water Supply*