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Background <p><i>Serratia marcescens</i> species are known for causing outbreaks in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. Breast milk colonization by this organism can lead to pink discoloration of milk and pink diapers of infants are rarely reported. We aimed to present a mother-infant dyad presenting with pink discoloration of expressed breast milk and review the published literature to develop the insight about its management strategy.</p> Case presentation <p>A 6-week-old, breastfed infant presented with diarrhea, vomiting, and fussiness. Mother noted pink discoloration of burp pads and cloths soiled with vomitus. Breast milk culture grew <i>Serratia marcescens</i> and infant’s mouth swab grew Enterobacteriaceae. Both received 10 days course of Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Breastfeeding was interrupted while she was on antibiotics and was resumed successfully after negative breast milk culture.</p> Conclusion <p><i>Serratia marcescens</i> colonization can turn the breast milk pink. Microbial culture is needed to establish the diagnosis and identify the source. Infants should be evaluated for the symptoms and signs to decide for the treatment. Mothers should be educated and provided with lactation support.</p>

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Breast milk turning pink: a clue to Serratia marcescens colonization—a case report

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月4日

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  • Chanchal Kumar,
  • Rekha Patidar,
  • Amarendra Prasad,
  • Dhiraj Sidagonda Shedabale

摘要

Background

Serratia marcescens species are known for causing outbreaks in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. Breast milk colonization by this organism can lead to pink discoloration of milk and pink diapers of infants are rarely reported. We aimed to present a mother-infant dyad presenting with pink discoloration of expressed breast milk and review the published literature to develop the insight about its management strategy.

Case presentation

A 6-week-old, breastfed infant presented with diarrhea, vomiting, and fussiness. Mother noted pink discoloration of burp pads and cloths soiled with vomitus. Breast milk culture grew Serratia marcescens and infant’s mouth swab grew Enterobacteriaceae. Both received 10 days course of Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Breastfeeding was interrupted while she was on antibiotics and was resumed successfully after negative breast milk culture.

Conclusion

Serratia marcescens colonization can turn the breast milk pink. Microbial culture is needed to establish the diagnosis and identify the source. Infants should be evaluated for the symptoms and signs to decide for the treatment. Mothers should be educated and provided with lactation support.