Characterization of a novel plasmid in Serratia marcescens harbouring bla isolated from a nosocomial outbreak in Japan.

Serratia marcescens is a nosocomial pathogen with carbapenem resistance, which limits the availability of effective treatment options. In this study, molecular characterization of GES-5 carbapenemase-producing S. marcescens isolated from an outbreak in Japan was undertaken. Comparative genetic analysis revealed that the bla-encoding plasmid p2020-O-9 is a unique plasmid contributing to carbapenem resistance. Furthermore, this study highlights the need for surveillance programmes to monitor both novel and commonly occurring carbapenemases in clinical settings.