This month, Leandra Reijsmeijer from the Laboratory of Medical Microbiology at the University of Antwerp is reviewing:
. Genomic epidemiological analysis of a single-centre polyclonal outbreak of Serratia marcescens, Belgium, 2022 to 2023. Euro Surveill. 2024;29(48):pii=2400144. Published 2024 Nov 28.
What’s happening?
A new genomic epidemiological study by the Laboratory of Medical Microbiology (LMM) at the University of Antwerp of a Serratia marcescens outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Belgium (2022–2023) highlights the challenges of managing hospital-associated infections. This pathogen, often linked to severe neonatal sepsis, was detected in 61 newborns and 71 environmental samples during the outbreak. Despite comprehensive infection control measures, including enhanced cleaning and patient isolation, a resurgence of cases occurred, underlining the complexities of containment.
What did the study find?
Multiple bacterial variants were found, suggesting polyclonal origins and complicating the identification of a single source. The results showed that newborns in incubators were more frequently affected, emphasising the role of environmental factors in pathogen spread. While the implemented measures curbed the outbreak temporarily, the findings suggest that routine surveillance of both patients and the NICU environment is critical for early detection and prevention.
What are the recommendations for the future?
Given the severe consequences of such outbreaks, the authors advocate for establishing a national surveillance system in Belgium. With similar cases reported in other hospitals, a structured approach could improve outbreak response and enhance neonatal safety in NICUs across the country.