In the hospital, Serratia species tend to colonize the respiratory and urinary tracts, rather than the gastrointestinal tract, in adults.
Serratia infection is responsible for about 2% of nosocomial infections of the bloodstream, lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, surgical wounds, and skin and soft tissues in adult patients. Outbreaks of S. marcescens meningitis, wound infections, and arthritis have occurred in pediatric wards. [4]
Serratia infection has caused endocarditis and osteomyelitis in people addicted to heroin.[5]
Cases of Serratia arthritis have been reported in outpatients receiving intra-articular injections.