Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026
Development of Obliterative Bronchiolitis in a Murine Model of Orthotopic Lung Transplantation
Published on: July 10, 2012
Outbreak of pseudomonas aeruginosa by multiple organ transplantation from a common donor
Deepali Kumar1, Mark S Cattral, Ari Robicsek
1The Immunocompromised Host Infection Service, Multi-organ Transplant, Infectious Diseases, and Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5G 2C4. dkumar@mtsinai.on.ca
Abstract:
Transmission of bacterial infections from donor to recipient may occur with donor bacteremia. We describe a novel mechanism for transmission of Pseudomonas to multiple recipients through direct contamination of a donor innominate artery graft. Patient data were collected by chart review from the donor and the kidney, kidney-pancreas, heart, lung, and liver recipients. The donor was not bacteremic but had P. aeruginosa isolated from routine tracheal cultures. Spillage of tracheal contents onto the innominate artery and subsequent contamination of intra-abdominal organs likely occurred. Vascular anastomotic infections with graft loss caused by Pseudomonas occurred in three patients (liver, kidney, and kidney-pancreas), and the lung patient developed severe pneumonia. All Pseudomonas isolates were identical by molecular typing. Donors may transmit bacterial infections to multiple recipients by mechanisms other than donor bacteremia. Although donor tracheal cultures are commonly positive, in certain settings antimicrobial treatment of recipients may be needed.
Insights
Donor tracheal contamination, not bacteremia, transmitted Pseudomonas aeruginosa to multiple organ transplant recipients. This highlights a novel infection route and potential need for recipient antimicrobial treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Disease
- Transplant Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Bacterial infections can transmit from organ donors to recipients, typically associated with donor bacteremia.
- Organ transplantation involves complex procedures with potential risks of pathogen transmission.
Observation:
- A donor, without bacteremia, had Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from tracheal cultures.
- Tracheal contents spilled onto an innominate artery graft, contaminating intra-abdominal organs.
Findings:
- Multiple recipients received Pseudomonas aeruginosa from the contaminated donor graft.
- Three patients developed vascular anastomotic infections with graft loss; one developed severe pneumonia.
- Molecular typing confirmed identical Pseudomonas isolates across all affected recipients.
Implications:
- Donor tracheal contamination presents a novel mechanism for bacterial transmission, distinct from donor bacteremia.
- Routine donor tracheal cultures may warrant closer scrutiny in certain transplant scenarios.
- Prophylactic or early antimicrobial treatment for recipients might be considered in high-risk cases.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Tissue Transplantation
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
01:26Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...