There are over 100,000 species of fungi. Many fungi are good and useful (edible mushrooms would be an example of these) while some cause problems (some fungi can injure plants and humans). Every week the IEQ Review will describe a specific microorganism, its morphological origin and potential health effects.  If you would like to know about a specific organism and/or would like it published in The IEQ Review please email Dr. Rajiv Sahay with the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDL) at Pure Air Control Services laboratory@pureaircontrols.com.

This week we will cover ...   

Serratia marcescens


 
Serratia marcescens

An aerobic gram-negative bacillus that grows readily on most microbiological media producing either a white, pink (pyrimine) or red (prodigiosin) colony. Pigment production occurs between 12oC and 36oC. Unlike prodigiosin, pyrimine is water soluble and is capable of diffusing into the medium, turning it pink. It is capable of growth at 40oC, but not at 4oC. It produces a fishy-urinary odor (trimethylalamine). It can be isolated from food, soil, water, plants, insects, and sewage. It is a potential pathogen for insects, animals, and humans and is an important cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections in humans.

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For additional information, contact:

Pure Air Control Services

800-422-7873, ext. 802