Which genus is frequently associated with hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial-resistant strains causing severe infections like septicemia and meningitis?

Which genus is frequently associated with hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial-resistant strains causing severe infections like septicemia and meningitis?

• A. Escherichia
• B. Pseudomonas
• C. Serratia
• D. Neisseria

Answer: (C)

In hospital settings, opportunistic Gram-negative rods that survive on moist surfaces and devices are a major threat. Serratia marcescens is a classic example: it repeatedly appears in nosocomial outbreaks linked to contaminated IV fluids, catheters, and other equipment, and it readily forms biofilms on indwelling devices, helping it persist and resist treatment. Its antimicrobial resistance is a key feature—natural AmpC beta-lactamase production and other resistance genes limit the effectiveness of many common antibiotics, leading to harder-to-treat infections. Because of these traits, Serratia can cause severe illnesses such as septicemia and meningitis in hospitalized patients, especially those with invasive devices or weakened immune defenses. While other genera are also associated with hospital infections, the combination of outbreak potential, device association, and resistance that drives severe disease makes Serratia a characteristic nosocomial pathogen in this context.

In hospital settings, opportunistic Gram-negative rods that survive on moist surfaces and devices are a major threat. Serratia marcescens is a classic example: it repeatedly appears in nosocomial outbreaks linked to contaminated IV fluids, catheters, and other equipment, and it readily forms biofilms on indwelling devices, helping it persist and resist treatment. Its antimicrobial resistance is a key feature—natural AmpC beta-lactamase production and other resistance genes limit the effectiveness of many common antibiotics, leading to harder-to-treat infections. Because of these traits, Serratia can cause severe illnesses such as septicemia and meningitis in hospitalized patients, especially those with invasive devices or weakened immune defenses. While other genera are also associated with hospital infections, the combination of outbreak potential, device association, and resistance that drives severe disease makes Serratia a characteristic nosocomial pathogen in this context.