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Growth of Yersinia species in artificially contaminated blood bags
1Infectious Diseases Department, University of Turin, Italy.
Abstract:
Transfusion blood bags were inoculated with less than 0.1 colony-forming units (CFU) of Yersinia enterocolitica (serotypes O:3, O:5, and O:9) and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis I per mL and stored at 4 degrees C for 41 days. During storage, samples were collected periodically and colony counts of serial dilutions were performed by plating on tryptic soy agar. After a lag-phase, the growth of Yersinia species from less than 0.1 CFU per mL to 10(9) CFU per mL was observed in 3 of 10 bags. The data showed that prolonged storage of contaminated blood bags allows Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis to multiply to high levels.
Insights
Contaminated blood bags, even with minimal Yersinia contamination, can allow dangerous bacterial growth during prolonged 4°C storage. This study demonstrates Yersinia species can multiply to high levels, posing a transfusion risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Food Safety
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Yersinia species are foodborne pathogens that can contaminate blood products.
- The risk of bacterial proliferation in stored blood is a significant concern for transfusion safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the growth potential of Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in stored transfusion blood bags.
- To determine if low-level contamination can lead to high bacterial loads during extended cold storage.
Main Methods:
- Transfusion blood bags were inoculated with low levels (<0.1 CFU/mL) of Yersinia species.
- Bags were stored at 4°C for 41 days, with periodic sampling.
- Bacterial colony counts were determined using serial dilutions and agar plating.
Main Results:
- Yersinia species exhibited a lag phase followed by significant growth in 3 out of 10 inoculated blood bags.
- Bacterial levels increased from <0.1 CFU/mL to as high as 10^9 CFU/mL.
- Prolonged storage at 4°C facilitated bacterial multiplication.
Conclusions:
- Stored blood bags contaminated with Yersinia species can support bacterial growth to dangerous levels.
- Extended storage of blood products poses a risk for Yersinia proliferation, even from minimal initial contamination.
- These findings highlight the importance of stringent screening and storage protocols to prevent transfusion-transmitted Yersiniosis.