obsolete Serratia septicemia

Sepsis due to Serratia (disorder) was previously referred to as Serratia septicemia, which has since been considered an outdated term [1]. This condition was caused by the bacterium Serratia, which is a type of gram-negative enteric bacillus [3].

In the past, Serratia septicemia was identified as a serious infection that could lead to severe illness and even death [4]. However, with advancements in medical terminology and classification, the term "severe sepsis" has been replaced by more specific criteria for diagnosing organ dysfunction [5].

The systematic classification of microorganisms in the family Enterobacteriaceae has also led to a reevaluation of the imprecise terms used in the past, including Serratia septicemia [6]. Today, the condition is referred to as sepsis caused by Serratia or sepsis due to Serratia (disorder), which provides more accurate and specific information about the underlying cause of the infection.

References: [1] Sepsis caused by Serratia, SY, Designated synonym ; Sepsis due to Serratia (disorder), OF, Obsolete fully specified name [2] [3] An initial attempt to appraise the role of these less well known species of gram-negative enteric bacilli in human infection has been carried out [3] [4] Serratia marcescens septicemia following artificial kidney dialysis. J. Urol. (1963). M.G. McEntegart et al. Bacteremia following dental extractions. Lancet [8] [5] Under this new terminology, the old term severe sepsis becomes obsolete as organ dysfunction is now necessary for the diagnosis of sepsis. Sepsis and septic shock: definitions and revised guidelines for the prevention and treatment of infection. Crit Care Med 2016;44(3):e328-e333 [5] [6] The systematic classification of microorganisms in the family Enterobacteriaceae, developed by Ewing and Edwards, has rendered obsolete the imprecise term Serratia septicemia [6]

Signs and Symptoms of Obsolete Serratia Septicemia

Serratia marcescens, a gram-negative bacillus, was once considered an opportunistic agent in various infections, including septicemia. While it is still a concern in certain contexts, its incidence has decreased significantly due to advancements in medicine and hygiene practices.

Historical Context

In the past, Serratia marcescens was known to cause severe infections, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or those who had undergone medical procedures that involved the insertion of foreign devices (e.g., catheters). The bacteria's ability to form biofilms on these surfaces made it difficult to eradicate.

Signs and Symptoms

According to historical records [6][9], signs and symptoms of Serratia septicemia may have included:

• Fever
• Chills
• Shock
• Respiratory distress
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

These symptoms were often accompanied by the presence of the bacteria in the bloodstream, which could lead to a range of complications, including organ failure and death.

Comparison with Modern Sepsis

While Serratia marcescens is still a concern in certain contexts, its incidence has decreased significantly due to advancements in medicine and hygiene practices. In modern times, sepsis caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, presents similarly to historical cases of Serratia septicemia.

Key Takeaways

• Serratia marcescens was once considered an opportunistic agent in various infections, including septicemia.
• Historical records indicate that signs and symptoms of Serratia septicemia may have included fever, chills, shock, respiratory distress, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
• The incidence of Serratia septicemia has decreased significantly due to advancements in medicine and hygiene practices.

References:

[6] Oct 1, 2011 — S. marcescens has a long and interesting taxonomic, medical experimentation, military experimentation, and human clinical infection history. [9] by K Luttmann · 2022 · Cited by 9 — A previously healthy female in her mid-50s presented with fever, abdominal pain, right lower extremity pain, and diarrhea. Blood cultures were ... [15] Infections such as UTIs and pneumonia can progress to sepsis, and patients should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of this potentially life-threatening complication. 5,6 .

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various diagnostic tests available for detecting Serratia septicemia. Here are some relevant points:

• Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH): This is an established technique to identify pathogens, including Serratia marcescens, according to [6].
• Gram stain and rapid biochemical tests: These methods can be used by hospital microbiology laboratories to identify organism,

The differential diagnosis of Serratia septicemia involves considering various medical conditions that may mimic or be confused with this infection. According to the provided context, some of these conditions include:

• Meningitis and septicemia due to Serratia marcescens developed in a patient postoperatively after stapedectomy [6].
• Acute pulmonary embolus, acute myocardial infarction, acute pancreatitis, and other medical conditions that may mimic sepsis should be considered in the differential diagnosis [4].
• Infective endocarditis is another condition that should be included in the differential diagnosis of Serratia septicemia [13].

It's worth noting that Serratia septicemia is a rare but serious infection, and its diagnosis can be complex due to the broad differential diagnosis. A combination of clinical evaluation, vital signs, and laboratory data using various screening tools such as SIRS, qSOFA, SOFA, NEWS, and MEWS may be necessary to diagnose this condition accurately [3].

In addition, the context mentions that Serratia marcescens is particularly associated with NICU environment, being certain lineages more associated to sepsis than others [15]. This information highlights the importance of considering the patient's medical history and environment when making a differential diagnosis.

References:

[4] - The broad differential diagnosis for sepsis includes various medical conditions that may mimic or be confused with this infection. [6] - Meningitis and septicemia due to Serratia marcescens developed in a patient postoperatively after stapedectomy. [13] - Infective endocarditis is another condition that should be included in the differential diagnosis of Serratia septicemia. [15] - Serratia marcescens is particularly associated with NICU environment, being certain lineages more associated to sepsis than others.