Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem. Novel resistance mechanisms continue to emerge, and the pipeline of antimicrobial development struggles to keep up. Antimicrobial stewardship and proper infection control are key in preventing the spread of these infections. A case of a carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex urinary isolate was identified in an 81-year-old male patient at the San Antonio Veterans Affairs hospital, Texas, USA. The patient was placed on isolation, and further testing of the isolate to other antibiotics requested. The purpose of this study is to analyze the details of reports of such cases and to review at-risk populations and appropriate treatment for resistant organisms.

BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae has become a significant public health concern as hospital outbreaks are now being frequently reported and these organisms are becoming difficult to treat with the available antibiotics.
METHODS: An outbreak of VIM-producing Serratia marcescens occurred over a period of 11 wk (August, 1 to October, 18) in patients admitted to the adult polyvalent intensive care unit of the University of Campania \"Luigi Vanvitelli\" located in Naples. Four episodes occurred in three patients (two patients infected, and one patient colonized). All the strains revealed the production of VIM.
CONCLUSIONS: After three decades of carbapenem antibiotics use, the emergence of carbapenem-resistance in Enterobacteriaceae has become a significant concern and a stricter control to preserve its clinical application is mandatory. This is, to our knowledge, the first outbreak of VIM-producing Serratia marcescens in Europe. Surveillance policies must be implemented to avoid future outbreaks.