Relapse of Serratia marcescens sternal osteitis 15 years after the first episode

J Clin Microbiol. 2012 Jan;50(1):184-6. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01327-11. Epub 2011 Nov 16.

Abstract

Sternal osteitis, a potential consequence of cardiac surgery, remains rare. The bacteria involved belong mostly to the genus Staphylococcus. Sternal infections caused by Serratia marcescens are exceptional. We report an unusual recurrence of sternal infection with S. marcescens, 15 years after the initial episode. The identities of the isolates were determined by genomic analysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cluster Analysis
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Middle Aged
  • Molecular Typing
  • Osteitis / diagnosis*
  • Osteitis / microbiology*
  • Osteitis / pathology
  • Recurrence
  • Serratia Infections / diagnosis*
  • Serratia Infections / microbiology*
  • Serratia Infections / pathology
  • Serratia marcescens / isolation & purification*
  • Sternum / microbiology
  • Sternum / pathology

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial