Pathogenicity of serratia marcescens in pulpitis

Abstract

In this article we have described four cases in which Serratia marcescens was isolated from infected root canals. One strain was unusual in that it persisted in the root canal and in different parts of the mouth for two months, disappearing from the root canal only after iodine iontophoresis. During its presence in the oral cavity, Serratia marcescens was also isolated from the blood stream. There was a definite drop in the white blood count and a small change in differential count when the patient complained of a “queer feeling.” This suggests the influence of endototoxin. The characteristics described here are peculiar, since Serratia marcescens is not known as a pathogenic organism or as a usual constituent of the oral flora. Serratia marcescens dentalis differed from the classic strain by its beta hemolytic properties, by its lack of motility, and by its well-developed capsule.