Serratia Marcescens Bacteria
General Background Information
Serratia marcescens is a bacterium from the Serratia genus of bacteria. It is a motile bacterium, thus having the ability to move freely and spontaneously. Serratia marcescens is the most common bacteria species within the Serratia genus and is a Gram-negative bacterium. Serratia marcescens is classified as a Gram-negative bacterium because of its inability to retain dye during a laboratory identification process known as Gram-staining. Gram-negative bacteria, while all different, do share some common characteristics. Most notably is the unique composition of bacteria membrane, giving Gram-negative bacteria resistance to many traditional antibiotics (see Treatment page for specific information on treatment of Serratia marcescens). Serratia marcescens is from the enterobacteriaceae family of bacteria. As part of this bacterial family, Serratia marcescens is considered a facultative anaerobic bacterium that can utilize oxygen to survive if oxygen is present, but can also survive by fermentation. Other well-known bacteria within the enterobacteriaceae family include Salmonella and E-coli.
Serratia marcescens is a human pathogen, which means that it is known to cause disease in humans (see Blood Infection Symptoms and Serratia Exposure pages for more information on disease). The bacterium was discovered in 1819, but was originally thought to be harmless and was even used as a human marker for tracing bacterial activity. However, in the 1950s, government experiments with Serratia marcescens revealed potentially harmful effects of the bacteria on human populations. By the 1960s, Serratia marcescens was identified as a known human pathogen, but some continued to use the bacteria as a tracer as late as the 1970s. Thus, the universal recognition of Serratia marcescens as a harmful human pathogen has been a relatively recent event.
Serratia marcescens can be identified in a laboratory through the Gram-staining process. However Serratia marcescens bacteria can sometimes be observed without the use of laboratory equipment. At or near room temperature, Serratia marcescens may present with a pink to red pigmentation, know as prodigiosin. However, this red presentation does not occur in most strains of Serratia marcescens and the coloration disappears quickly after exposure to sunlight. When the bacteria does present with a red pigmentation, it can resemble and/or be mistaken for drops of blood. Some scholars have attempted to explain historical events such as the appearance of blood on grain or bread and Catholic communion miracles (the appearance of blood on the communion host), by reference to prodigiosin.
Serratia marcescens is a naturally occurring bacterium that can develop in a number of common places, including: soil, water, sinks, bathtubs, and on some foods (primarily starchy foods). As well, it can be found in the intestines of many adults. For most people, exposure to Serratia marcescens does not create significant health problems. However, for some, especially those with already compromised health, Serratia marcescens exposure can produce severe and even fatal reactions (see Blood Infection Symptoms and Serratia Exposure pages for additional information). Thus, Serratia marcescens is considered a very serious opportunistic pathogen. A person possibly infected with the bacteria should seek immediate medical attention and treatment.
Contaminated Syringe Lawsuits
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury and contracted the Serratia marcescens bacteria after using Sierra Heparin Lock Flush Solution syringes, then you should contact us immediately to talk to a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Nationwide Assistance is available and our consultation is free and confidential. Write us online or call us: Toll Free 1-800-883-9858.
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