Serratia infection classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Serratia may be classified according to the Serratia species into the following: S. marcescens (most common), S. fonticola, S. grimesii, S. liquefaciens sensu stricto, S. rubidaea, S. oderifera, S. plymuthica, and S. proteamaculans.

Serratia may be classified according to the Serratia species responsible for the infection into the following:

• S. marcescens (> 90% of all Serratia infections in all age groups)
• S. fonticola
• S. grimesii
• S. liquefaciens sensu stricto
• S. rubidaea
• S. oderifera
• S. plymuthica
• S. proteamaculans

• Note that the S. liquefaciens complex is composed of 3 Serratia strains: S. liquefaciens sensu stricto, S. proteamaculans and S. grimesii.
• Additionally, 4 species of Serratia have been isolated but have not been reported to be clinically relevant. To view the comprehensive list of the 12 Serratia species, click here.