[Serratia marcescens infection in intensive care units (author's transl)].

The increased incidence of Serratia marcescens infection at the intensive care unit of the Department of Anaesthetics, General Hospital Altona, was investigated. The properties of this microorganism are described and its role in cross infections is discussed. The frequent occurrence of Serratia marcescens in mixed infections and its tendency to grow on tissue surfaces are pointed out. The presence of Serratia marcescens was demonstrated in 23 of 107 patients treated in the intensive care unit; an infection with Serratia was established in 13 of the 23 cases. Four patients died. As vital functions were severely impaired in these cases death could not be attributed solely to the Serratia infection. Preventive and therapeutic measures are reviewed.