Epidural abscess caused by Serratia marcescens during use of an indwelling tunneled epidural catheter: a case report

Epidural abscess caused by Serratia marcescens during use of an indwelling tunneled epidural catheter: a case report

Controlling cancer pain using an indwelling tunneled epidural catheter is an effective method of pain control. Although this procedure is relatively safe, caution should be exercised, as serious complications such as epidural abscesses may occur. The main causative bacterium is Staphylococcus aureus; however, the author experienced an epidural abscess caused by Serratia marcescens, a very rare causative bacterium. The number of immunosuppressed patients is increasing due to the aging population and the expansion of cancer treatment. Consequently, the possibility of epidural abscesses is also increasing. Infection by Serratia marcescens, known as an opportunistic infection, should be considered a possible causative organism in the diagnosis and treatment of epidural abscesses.