
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Serratia infection natural history, complications and prognosis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Following transmission, approximately 30% to 50% of individuals do not develop any clinical manifestations. The incubation period of Serratia is not known, but is thought to range from several days to several weeks. Clinical manifestations of Serratia depend on the location of the colonization (e.g. respiratory tract, urinary tract, meninges, heart valves). Complications and prognosis are dependent to the site of Serratia infection.
Natural History
Natural History
- Following transmission, approximately 30% to 50% of individuals do not develop any clinical manifestations.
- The incubation period of Serratia is not known, but is thought to range from several days to several weeks.
- Clinical manifestations of Serratia depend on the location of the colonization (e.g. respiratory tract, urinary tract, meninges, heart valves)
- Clinical manifestations are usually non-specific and include fever and typical signs and symptoms of the clinical disease.
- If left untreated, patients with Serratia infection typically progress and develop complications.
Complications
Complications
Complications of Serratia infection depend on the clinical syndrome. Complications may include complications of the following disease:
Prognosis
Prognosis
- With prompt and adequate treatment, patients with Serratia recover without any long-term sequelae.
- Prognosis of Serratia infection is generally good in urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and local wound infections.
- The prognosis is poorer when Serratia causes meningitis or endocarditis, given the prognosis of the clinical syndromes themselves.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
