Serratia Treatment & Management

Updated: Oct 25, 2021
  • Author: Payal K Patel, MD, MPH; Chief Editor: Michael Stuart Bronze, MD  more...
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Treatment

Medical Care

​Serratia species can have multidrug resistance, particularly given the ability to induce AmpC β-lactamases. Infectious diseases consultation may be warranted. Antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment in most patients with serious Serratia infection. Home therapy is an option in patients who are clinically stable.

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Surgical Care

Purulent collections (abscesses) may require drainage plus adjunctive antibiotic therapy.

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Consultations

Consult a cardiac surgeon if considering valve replacement in patients with infective endocarditis.

In a possible nosocomial outbreak of Serratia infection, strain typing may assist the epidemiologic investigation.

Infectious Diseases consultation may be warranted in formulating the optimal regimen for treatment. 

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