SERRATIA INFECTION Meaning and
Definition
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Serratia infection refers to an infectious condition caused by bacteria belonging to the Serratia genus, predominantly Serratia marcescens. Serratia marcescens is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is typically found in water, soil, and on plant material. Although it is considered an opportunistic pathogen, it can cause various infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals or those with underlying medical conditions.
Serratia infections can manifest in different forms, affecting various body systems. Common infections include pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), bloodstream infections (septicemia), wound infections, and eye infections. In healthcare settings, Serratia bacteria can also be associated with outbreaks, particularly in intensive care units or neonatal wards.
Symptoms of Serratia infection depend on the specific type and site of infection, but common signs may include fever, chills, fatigue, dysuria, increased urinary frequency, abdominal pain, cough, shortness of breath, skin redness, and discharge. Diagnosis typically involves obtaining cultures from the affected site and conducting laboratory tests to identify the bacteria.
Treatment for Serratia infection usually involves antibiotic therapy tailored to the specific strain and its sensitivity pattern. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to administer intravenous antibiotics. Prevention of Serratia infection involves implementing strict infection control practices, such as adequate hand hygiene, sterilization of medical equipment, adherence to aseptic techniques during invasive procedures, and appropriate cleaning and disinfection protocols in healthcare environments.
Common Misspellings for SERRATIA INFECTION
- aerratia infection
- zerratia infection
- xerratia infection
- derratia infection
- eerratia infection
- werratia infection
- swrratia infection
- ssrratia infection
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- s4rratia infection
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- seeratia infection
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- sefratia infection
- setratia infection
- se5ratia infection
- se4ratia infection
- sereatia infection
- serdatia infection
Etymology of SERRATIA INFECTION
"Serratia infection" is a medical term used to describe an infection caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Serratia. The word "Serratia" has its etymology rooted in Latin.
"Serratia" is derived from the Latin word "serra", which means "saw". The term was coined by the scientist Giuseppe Saverio Emanuele Serrati, an Italian entomologist and physician who discovered the first species of this genus, Serratia marcescens, in the 19th century. The term "serra" or "saw" refers to the serrated or saw-like appearance of the bacterial colonies when grown on agar plates. The word "infection" derives from the Latin word "infectio" or "infectus", meaning "to taint" or "to infect".
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