The “pink mold” you may find in your shower actually isn’t mold, but a very common strain of airborne bacteria that’s found throughout the world. The bacteria, Serratia marcescens, cause that pink or even red slime you might find in your shower, toilet bowl, or around other water fixtures..
Page Contents
Is Serratia marcescens harmful to humans?
In rare cases, Serratia marcescens can be deadly.
Along with other bacteria, Serratia marcescens is a source of hospital-acquired infections, which can happen if a patient’s immune system is severely compromised or if the bacterium enters the body with a catheter, respirator or other medical device.
Where does pink mold come from?
The discoloration comes from a biofilm—that is, a bacterial colony—of Serratia marcescens. The airborne bacterial species thrives in moist environments like showers, where it feeds on mineral deposits in soap scum and fatty deposits in soap and shampoo residue.
What symptoms does Serratia marcescens cause?
Symptoms may include fever, frequent urination, dysuria, pyuria, or pain upon urination. In 90% of cases, patients have a history of recent surgery or instrumentation of the urinary tract.
What happens if you get Serratia marcescens?
S. marcescens bacteria is known to cause a variety of different types of human infections, including: urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory tract infections, conjunctivitis, tear duct infections, and keratitis. Although extremely rare, it can also cause pneumonia and meningitis.
Can Serratia make you sick?
More recently, Serratia marcescens has been found to be pathogenic to a small percentage of people, having been identified as a cause of urinary tract infections, wound infections, and pneumonia in hospital environments.
At what site is Serratia normally found?
It is commonly found in the respiratory and urinary tracts of hospitalized adults and in the gastrointestinal systems of children. Due to its abundant presence in the environment, and its preference for damp conditions, S.
How common is Serratia?
Serratia Species
The estimated incidence of Serratia infections in CGD patients is up to 0.98 cases per 100 patient-years, with a recurrence rate of 18%. Lymphadenitis and skin abscesses are the most common infections (44%), followed by pulmonary infections (36%) and osteomyelitis (8%).
What body systems does Serratia marcescens affect? S. marcescens can infect numerous sites including urinary,16 respiratory,17 epithelia, muscle and subcutaneous tissues. Although non-pigmented biogroups are the most common cause of nosocomial infections, the red pigmented biogroups also cause significant common source outbreaks and cross-infections.
What does pink mold mean?
Pink mold is a common name for the water-borne bacteria Serratia marcescens. This mold type can be pink in color — hence the name — but this is not always the case. Sometimes, pink mold can look more orange than pink. This is because room temperatures can cause the mold to develop a red pigment.
What does Serratia marcescens do to you?
Well-documented infections caused by S. marcescens include pneumonia, urinary tract infection, bacteremia, biliary tract infection, wound infection, meningitis, and endocarditis. Rarely does it present as cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis (NF), resulting in severe sepsis and multiorgan failure.
How do you get rid of pink mold?
Pink mold would not stand a chance against bleach, so a bleach solution of pure bleach and water in a 1:2 ratio would work wonderfully in removing pink mold. Simply mix the solution in a spray bottle, and spray in areas where mold is present. Wipe clean afterwards.
Does the pink stuff remove mold?
From bathroom tiles to flooring, use The Pink Stuff to achieve amazing results. Apply to the tiles and use an old toothbrush to work it into the grout. It will remove dark staining, mould, and discolouration.
How does one get infected with Serratia marcescens?
Transmission is by direct contact. Droplets of S. marcescens have been found growing on catheters, and in supposedly sterile solutions. Contaminated intravenous pain control fluids were the course of an outbreak of S.
How common is Serratia marcescens infection? While S. marcescens is a rare cause of community-acquired infections, it has emerged as an important nosocomial healthcare-associated pathogen and a frequent source of outbreaks of hospital infection (72), in both adult (122) and paediatric patients (115).
What is the pink slime in my sink? Pink slime, the residue stain commonly found in your sink, is caused by an airborne bacterium known as Serratia Marcescens. A common misconception about the bacterium is that it is believed to be caused by mold, but that is not the case. The bacterium can be found worldwide as it grows in an environment with moisture.
Is there such a thing as red mold? Although red mold isn’t its own species of mold, certain types of mold are more likely to turn red. This includes Aspergillus which is mostly found in bathrooms and grows on water-damaged materials. Also, Neurospora which grows on food, and Fusarium which grows on plants and in soil.
What does pink mold look like?
Pink shower mold usually appears as a slimy build-up, though it does not always appear to be specifically pink. The bacteria get their colour from a red pigment that is produced at room temperature. Depending on the growing conditions, the resulting color can range from salmon pink to orange or even blood red.
Is pink mold harmful to babies?
Pink mold isn’t immediately harmful to most healthy adults. It’s more dangerous to infants, children and the elderly. People with compromised immune systems may be affected since the body isn’t able to defend itself from infection. Pets may also react to it, either in the air or through digestion.
How do you clean pink mould?
Create a cleaning paste with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Using a soft bristle brush, apply paste to the bacteria and scrub away the pink film.
What kills pink mould?
Bleach Solution
Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that kills off all sorts of pesky mold, mildew, and bacteria. Pink mold would not stand a chance against bleach, so a bleach solution of pure bleach and water in a 1:2 ratio would work wonderfully in removing pink mold.
Can red mold make you sick?
Is red mold dangerous? Even though red mold is unsightly, the mold itself is usually harmless — if you’re in good health. If you’re sensitive or allergic to mold, exposure can cause problems like respiratory distress. Also, exposure can trigger infections in the skin, lungs, eyes, and other organs.
What kills pink mold?
Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that kills off all sorts of pesky mold, mildew, and bacteria. Pink mold would not stand a chance against bleach, so a bleach solution of pure bleach and water in a 1:2 ratio would work wonderfully in removing pink mold.
Where is pink mold found?
About Pink Mold
Aureobasidium pullaria fungi or pink mold is most commonly found on caulk and damp window frames, in bathrooms, on shower curtains and in toilets and sinks due to the humid environment these areas create.
How do you keep pink mold from coming back? Tips to Prevent the Growth of Pink Mold
- Encourage hand-washing, especially after using the bathroom, to prevent the transfer of Serratia marcescens bacteria to other surfaces.
- Keep surfaces dry.
- Close and straighten shower curtains so they will dry more quickly.
- Clean away soap scum at least weekly.
What is the pink stuff in my sink?
The pink slime or residue is often referred to as Serratia marcescens. Serratia marcescens is an airborne bacterium or mold that grows on shower stalls, bathtubs, tiles, toilets, sinks, toothbrush holders, and can sometimes be seen on kitchen faucets.
