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[Prevalence of bacterial contamination of standard platelet units: prospective study]
L Loukhmas1, N Houmane, M Mskine
1Centre régional de transfusion sanguine de Casablanca, Maroc.
Background:
Platelet concentrates contaminated with bacteria are a main source of transfusion-associated sepsis. Several studies have reported a very wide incidence (0-10%) of contamination. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of bacterial contamination of standard platelet units at the regional blood transfusion center in Casablanca.
Study Design And Methods:
During 15.5 months, 3,458 platelet concentrates (PCs) were analysed. The plasma from the bag and the tube was homogenised. One-fifth of the tube contents were inoculated every day for five days in two tubes containing 2.5 mL of Tryptic soy broth. One tube was incubated at room temperature and the other at 37 degrees C for 24 hours. The bacteria were identified by standard procedures.
Results:
Twenty-five (0.72%) of 3,458 platelet bags were contaminated. Twenty-two bacteria (88%) were found in the platelet bags stored three days or more, of which 14 (56%) were Staphylococci coagulase negative, two Staphylococcus aureus, one alpha-haemolytic Streptococcus, four bacillus cereus, one Enterobacter cloacae, one Escherichia Coli and two Xanthomonas maltophilia.
Conclusion:
The incidence reported in this series is higher than that reported by most authors.
Insights
Bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates poses a risk for transfusion-associated sepsis. This study found a 0.72% contamination rate in platelet units at a Casablanca blood center, higher than many reported incidences.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates is a significant cause of transfusion-associated sepsis.
- Reported contamination incidence varies widely (0-10%) across studies.
- This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination in standard platelet units at a regional blood transfusion center in Casablanca.
Discussion:
- The study analyzed 3,458 platelet concentrates over 15.5 months using a standardized inoculation and incubation method.
- Contamination was detected in 0.72% of platelet bags.
- A high proportion (88%) of contaminated bags were stored for three days or longer.
Key Insights:
- Coagulase-negative Staphylococci were the most common contaminants (56%), followed by Bacillus cereus (15%).
- Other identified bacteria included Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, and Xanthomonas maltophilia.
- The observed contamination rate of 0.72% is higher than reported in most previous studies.
Outlook:
- Implementing enhanced bacterial detection methods for platelet concentrates may be warranted.
- Further research into the sources and prevention of contamination is crucial.
- Strengthening quality control measures in blood transfusion services can improve patient safety.