Intracranial complications of Serratia marcescens infection in neonates

Abstract

Even though Serratia marcescens is not one of the most common causes of infection in neonates, it is associated with grave morbidity and
mortality. We describe the evolution of brain parenchymal affectation observed in association with S. marcescens infection in neonates. This
retrospective case series details brain ultrasound findings of five neonates with hospital-acquired S. marcescens infection. Neonatal S. marcescens
infection with or without associated meningitis can be complicated by brain parenchymal affectation, leading to cerebral abscess formation. It
is recommended that all neonates with this infection should undergo neuro-imaging more than once before discharge from hospital; this can
be achieved using bedside ultrasonography.