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Streptococcus bovis septic shock due to contaminated transfused platelets
Andrew H Chang1, Carl M Kirsch, Niloufar Mobashery
1Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California 95128, USA.
American Journal of Hematology
|October 21, 2004
Summary
Bacterial contamination is the most common infectious risk in platelet transfusions, unlike HIV or hepatitis. A case of Streptococcus bovis septic shock from a contaminated platelet unit highlights this risk.
Area of Science:
- Infectious disease
- Hematology
- Transfusion medicine
Background:
- Platelet transfusions carry infectious risks, with bacterial contamination being more common than viral transmission (HIV, hepatitis).
- Platelets are stored at room temperature (20-24°C), promoting bacterial growth.
- The risk of bacterial sepsis is significantly higher with platelet transfusions compared to red blood cell transfusions.
Observation:
- An unusual case of Streptococcus bovis septic shock was observed.
- This septic shock was linked to a contaminated platelet transfusion.
Findings:
- Bacterial contamination is the leading infectious complication of platelet transfusions.
- Platelet storage conditions increase the risk of bacterial proliferation.
- Streptococcus bovis can cause severe septic shock following transfusion.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should be vigilant about bacterial contamination in platelet products.
- Enhanced screening and handling protocols for platelet transfusions may be necessary.
- This case underscores the critical need to address bacterial risks in transfusion medicine.