Serratia

Abstract

Classification. Serratia species are classified in the tribe Klebsielliae within the family Enterobacteriaceae along with several other genera, including Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Hafnia, and Pantoea. Serratia marcescens is the most important cause of human disease amongst all species recovered from clinical specimens. The S. liquefaciens group (consisting of S. liquefaciens sensu stricto, S. proteamaculans, and S. grimesii) and S. rubidaea are less common but well-documented causes of human disease. Other Serratia species that may occasionally cause human disease include S. fonticola and S. odorifera, whereas S. ureilytica, S. quinivorans, S. plymuthica, S. entomophila, and S. ficaria are predominantly environmental organisms and are rare causes of human disease.