Autopsy findings of Serratia meningoencephalitis in infants.

Serratia meningoencephalitis is often a fatal disease that causes widespread destruction of brain tissue despite aggressive antibiotic treatment. The autopsy findings of 2 cases are described. In a case caused by S. liquefaciens, previously not reported as the causative organism of meningoencephalitis, suppurative meningitis, ventriculitis, vasculitis, and extensive necrotic process of the brain matter were found. In the other case, caused by S. marcescens, the findings were those of acute and subacute abscesses with hemorrhagic necrosis.