Introducing Serratia Marcescens: The Pink Bacteria

Have you ever noticed your shower-wall or drain looking orange, or pink?

These stains are commonly referred to as pink mould. But don’t be fooled… They're actually caused by a bacterium called Serratia Marcescens.

This Gram-negative bacterium isn't content with blending into the background and staying hidden. Oh no, it's the rebellious artistic nature of the microbial world, leaving its mark by producing the coloured molecule prodigiosin.

In addition to thriving in warm and humid environments, this bacterium depends on a diet rich in fats and minerals. It sources these nutrients from the remnants of soap and shampoo in your bath, mineral deposits found in hard water, and, perhaps most unappealingly, traces of bodily waste that can linger in showers or toilets.