Serratia Infections in Burn Care.

This article focuses on the clinical challenges posed by Serratia marcescens infections in burn care, based on a retrospective review of 22 cases at an American Burn Association Verified Burn Centre from 2015 to 2020. Serratia marcescens is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen notable for multidrug resistance, virulence factors, and environmental persistence, complicating treatment in patients with significant burns (mean total body surface area burned of 28%). The study found a 23% overall mortality rate, with early-onset infections in patients with extensive burns (>20% TBSA) linked to higher mortality despite timely antibiotic use. While topical antimicrobials such as Dakin's solution, nanocrystalline silver, and polyhexamethylene biguanide show potential as adjunct therapies, the article emphasizes the need for stronger clinical evidence to guide their optimal application and improve patient outcomes.