Pink?! UPDATE

[Lyss]

Ugh... I even called the CDC and the gal couldn't help me but did pass on the info to an "expert specialist" and said they will research and get back to me. :confused:

Hopefully they get back to you! I'm interested in hearing what they have to say too!

[mema]

((hugs bc))

What a ****y situation to be in. I would be tempted to say stay out until we know for sure if it is contagious, but obviously everybody has been exposed if it has been going on for so long. How long has she known about it???

Hopefully the CDC will call you back ASAP with some good news. Hang in there and scream a little I haven't heard ya in a while down here Sure you heard me earlier tho

[WImom]

That is scary! I would be concerned too about everyone else getting it. Also that she's staining stuff.

Hopefully they will get back to you soon.

[kimsdaycare]

I found one article that specifically mentions preemies being at risk for complications due to Serratia Marcescens. It is a rather alarming article though, and I would be careful to not jump to any conclusions from reading it as this child sounds otherwise very healthy. You have to be careful what you trust on the internet kwim?

I would however push for a confirmation from my physician of whether this is or isn't what you are dealing with and the exact risks involved, especially since the child is in group care. "Not really concerned" wouldn't be an answer I would be comfortable with after reading that article.

I found lots of info about how it is found in humid places like bathrooms etc, and how it is hard to kill. Nothing concrete about contagiousness, and the risk involved if you cannot kill it. That is what is driving me nuts.

Edited to add the article link: http://deadlymicrobes.com/serratia-marcescens-symptoms

[Blackcat31]

I found one article that specifically mentions preemies being at risk for complications due to Serratia Marcescens. It is a rather alarming article though, and I would be careful to not jump to any conclusions from reading it as this child sounds otherwise very healthy. You have to be careful what you trust on the internet kwim?

I would however push for a confirmation from my physician of whether this is or isn't what you are dealing with and the exact risks involved, especially since the child is in group care. "Not really concerned" wouldn't be an answer I would be comfortable with after reading that article.

I found lots of info about how it is found in humid places like bathrooms etc, and how it is hard to kill. Nothing concrete about contagiousness, and the risk involved if you cannot kill it. That is what is driving me nuts.

Edited to add the article link: http://deadlymicrobes.com/serratia-marcescens-symptoms

Thank you for the info (link) and YES the bolded part is exactly what is killing me too!

[Blackcat31]

Ok, so far we have pretty much come to the conclusion it IS Serratia Marcescens but really won't/don't know for sure.

I called DCM and had her pick up baby and see her pediatrician WITH the pink bottle contents and several photos of pink stains on other things.

I guess it CAN be treated with a probiotic that is made from breast milk or with antibiotic therapy but the bacteria is resistnat to ampicillin and macrolides and the child needs to have a specific culture done to make sure that it is what is suspected and that it is gone.

I guess we all have this bacteria in our bodies and in our bathroom corners and especially grout and places like that and it is usually not a big deal. However, when the "normal" bacteria in our bodies shifts ever so slightly things change big time.

I need to sterilize/sanitize EVRYTHING baby came into contact with (great right?).
It is not usually a big deal to those of us with stronger immune systems but those who have compromised or really immature ones can get a whole list of terrible symptoms and issues that can all lead to death if left untreated.

Common symtoms are chills, fever, diarrhea, nausea, and UTI's.

Not so common and worse symptoms can be shock, sepsis, convulsions, respitory distress, Meningitis Peritonitis and death.

Interestingly enough if any of you remember the recall on flu vaccines a few years ago....it was related to this bacteria.

Here is a link if anyone is interested in reading some highly unusual things associated with this bacteria http://www.vaccinetruth.org/serratia_marcescens.htm

There are recorded incidents of the U.S. military testing Serratia Marcescens on U.S. citizens in the 1950's. After 1960 it was clearly identified as a harmful human pathogen and can be deadly.

There is such a wealth of info out there but it is so hard to put any of it together in my head and honestly how does one go about knowing anything unless they have experienced it or know someone who has or did?

So that is my update so far....once baby has an OFFICIAL diagnosis, I will keep you all posted. Mom said, she really never thought anything about it and kept passing it off as nothing. I can see how a new baby can be a distraction and besides the baby (nor her) appeared to be sick in any way shape or form so really who knew?

Thank you for all the support and help ladies and as I find out more, I will keep you updated.

[daycare]

Ok, so far we have pretty much come to the conclusion it IS Serratia Marcescens but really won't/don't know for sure.

I called DCM and had her pick up baby and see her pediatrician WITH the pink bottle contents and several photos of pink stains on other things.

I guess it CAN be treated with a probiotic that is made from breast milk or with antibiotic therapy including ampicillin and macrolides but the child needs to have a specific culture done to make sure that it is what is suspected and that it is gone.

I guess we all have this bacteria in our bodies and in our bathroom corners and especially grout and places like that and it is usually not a big deal. However, when the "normal" bacteria in our bodies shifts ever so slightly things change big time.

I need to sterilize/sanitize EVRYTHING baby came into contact with (great right?).
It is not usually a big deal to those of us with stronger immune systems but those who have compromised or really immature ones can get a whole list of terrible symptoms and issues that can all lead to death if left untreated.

Common symtoms are chills, fever, diarrhea, nausea, and UTI's.

Not so common and worse symptoms can be shock, sepsis, convulsions, respitory distress, Meningitis Peritonitis and death.

Interestingly enough if any of you remember the recall on flu vaccines a few years ago....it was related to this bacteria.

Here is a link if anyone is interested in reading some highly unusual things associated with this bacteria http://www.vaccinetruth.org/serratia_marcescens.htm

There are recorded incidents of the U.S. military testing Serratia Marcescens on U.S. citizens in the 1950's. After 1960 it was clearly identified as a harmful human pathogen and can be deadly.

There is such a wealth of info out there but it is so hard to put any of it together in my head and honestly how does one go about knowing anything unless they have experienced it or know someone who has or did?

So that is my update so far....once baby has an OFFICIAL diagnosis, I will keep you all posted. Mom said, she really never thought anything about it and kept passing it off as nothing. I can see how a new baby can be a distraction and besides the baby (nor her) appeared to be sick in any way shape or form so really who knew?

Thank you for all the support and help ladies and as I find out more, I will keep you updated.

holy cow that is so scary......CAT you are so amazing to have figured this out and was so proactive about it. Great JOB......

[Country Kids]

Ok, so far we have pretty much come to the conclusion it IS Serratia Marcescens but really won't/don't know for sure.

I called DCM and had her pick up baby and see her pediatrician WITH the pink bottle contents and several photos of pink stains on other things.

I guess it CAN be treated with a probiotic that is made from breast milk or with antibiotic therapy including ampicillin and macrolides but the child needs to have a specific culture done to make sure that it is what is suspected and that it is gone.

I guess we all have this bacteria in our bodies and in our bathroom corners and especially grout and places like that and it is usually not a big deal. However, when the "normal" bacteria in our bodies shifts ever so slightly things change big time.

I need to sterilize/sanitize EVRYTHING baby came into contact with (great right?).
It is not usually a big deal to those of us with stronger immune systems but those who have compromised or really immature ones can get a whole list of terrible symptoms and issues that can all lead to death if left untreated.

Common symtoms are chills, fever, diarrhea, nausea, and UTI's.

Not so common and worse symptoms can be shock, sepsis, convulsions, respitory distress, Meningitis Peritonitis and death.

Interestingly enough if any of you remember the recall on flu vaccines a few years ago....it was related to this bacteria.

Here is a link if anyone is interested in reading some highly unusual things associated with this bacteria http://www.vaccinetruth.org/serratia_marcescens.htm

There are recorded incidents of the U.S. military testing Serratia Marcescens on U.S. citizens in the 1950's. After 1960 it was clearly identified as a harmful human pathogen and can be deadly.

There is such a wealth of info out there but it is so hard to put any of it together in my head and honestly how does one go about knowing anything unless they have experienced it or know someone who has or did?

So that is my update so far....once baby has an OFFICIAL diagnosis, I will keep you all posted. Mom said, she really never thought anything about it and kept passing it off as nothing. I can see how a new baby can be a distraction and besides the baby (nor her) appeared to be sick in any way shape or form so really who knew?

Thank you for all the support and help ladies and as I find out more, I will keep you updated.

BC, Where did you find the information about it being in our bathroom. We put in a new tub 2 years ago and we suddenly started getting this orangey/pink stuff appearing on it! It comes off but I always thought how weird because we never had it on our old tub.

[MNMum]

Putting all this together, as I skimmed through the whole story, many things make sense as to why this is happening now.

This baby was a preemie and therefore, probably has a less than optimal immune system, therefore, the bacterial could get out of control.

Switching from breastmilk to formula messes up the flora in the intestinal tract in a HUGE way. Also, with all the switching around of formulas, this is probably exasperating the problem. It is very important that this baby be kept on only one type of formula. The bacteria may also have been contributing to the difficulties to find a formula that would work for the baby.

Sounds like this mother has a lot on her plate. She is lucky to have you around to help her navigate this problem, before it gets out of hand.

[Oneluckymom]

Great blackcat !! I can't wait to hear what the doctor finds out !! At least they will get to the bottom of it !! WHEN IN DOUBT CHECK IT OUT !

[countrymom]

I've never heard of this.

[Unregistered]

Pink update?

Hi,
Any updates on this? I asked because I just had this happened with my daughters bottle...what was left in the bottled turned bright pink!

[Blackcat31]

Hi,
Any updates on this? I asked because I just had this happened with my daughters bottle...what was left in the bottled turned bright pink!

Parents found the necessary pro-biotic from a health food store. Gave it to baby and now the baby has NO signs of this bacteria anymore.

The baby is no longer breast fed and is eating regularly with no more signs of pink.

Although, scary, confusing and perplexing (and possibly serious), it turned out ok and all is well with just a simply probiotic.

[Sprouts]

wow I just finished reading through all of the posts, that def. sounds like a mystery diagnosis case! (except they like people that are in terrible pain and nearly dying...glad you guys dont fit that description!) Anyways I am glad to hear you have found the cause and cure!

[Scout]

wow I just finished reading through all of the posts, that def. sounds like a mystery diagnosis case! (except they like people that are in terrible pain and nearly dying...glad you guys dont fit that description!) Anyways I am glad to hear you have found the cause and cure!

I actually think something like this was on mystery diagnosis! it was one of those shows. Mom's breastmilk would turn pink after sitting. Weird!