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Bacteriocidal properties of platelet concentrates
B A Myhre1, L J Walker, M L White
1Department of Pathology, U.C.L.A. School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Transfusion
|March 1, 1974
Summary
Platelet concentrates possess antibacterial properties that can inactivate low levels of bacteria introduced during collection. Higher bacterial contamination may lead to growth, impacting storage safety.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Microbiology
- Blood Banking
Background:
- Platelet concentrates are essential blood products for patient care.
- Bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates is a significant risk in transfusion medicine.
- Understanding the interaction between bacteria and platelet products is crucial for transfusion safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bacteriocidal capacity of platelet concentrates against common bacterial contaminants.
- To determine the threshold of bacterial inoculation that overcomes the inhibitory properties of platelet concentrates.
- To assess the safety of storing platelet concentrates at room temperature in relation to bacterial growth.
Main Methods:
- Platelet concentrates were intentionally contaminated with known quantities of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.
- Bacterial growth and survival were monitored over time post-contamination.
- Simulated venepuncture contamination was assessed by culturing samples from donor phlebotomies.
Main Results:
- Low levels (<10^3 CFU) of S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa were effectively killed.
- Moderate bacterial levels (10^4-10^6 CFU) showed depressed growth for 24 hours before resuming.
- High bacterial loads (>10^7 CFU) or S. aureus contamination resulted in progressive bacterial growth.
- Phlebotomy cultures indicated that bacteria introduced during collection are usually inactivated by platelet concentrates.
Conclusions:
- Platelet concentrates exhibit a significant bacteriocidal effect against certain bacteria at low concentrations.
- The risk of bacterial proliferation in platelet concentrates is generally low but increases with higher contamination levels.
- The inherent antimicrobial properties of platelet concentrates support their potential for safe storage at room temperature under typical contamination conditions.