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Published on: November 23, 2012
Amplified-fragment length polymorphism analysis of Propionibacterium isolates implicated in contamination of blood
T Mohammadi1, H W Reesink, R N I Pietersz
1Sanquin Blood Bank North West Region, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Propionibacterium acnes is implicated in most cases of bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates (PCs). To determine the source of contamination, amplified-fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was applied. This DNA fingerprinting technique was used to study the molecular relationship of 44 isolates derived from 22 PCs and 22 corresponding red blood cells concentrates (RBCs) from the same whole blood donations. The AFLP results together with sequencing analysis of the 1,200 bp of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed the existence of three main groups: two groups (groups 2 and 3) (55%) consisted of isolates that did not originate from skin flora and another group (group 1) (45%) comprised bacteria belonging to the skin flora. This latter group showed complete homology with reference strains of P. acnes. Therefore these isolates can be considered as P. acnes strains. In contrast, contaminants from groups 2 and 3 were shown to be molecularly unrelated to the P. acnes found on the skin surface. The AFLP is reproducible and gave invaluable information about the nature of Propionibacteria contaminating PCs. To gain more insights into the source of contamination, this technique could be exploited in further studies to determine the molecular relationship of different bacteria commonly found in blood products.
Insights
Bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates (PCs) often involves Propionibacterium acnes. DNA fingerprinting revealed that some contaminants were not skin-derived P. acnes, suggesting non-skin sources for PC contamination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Blood Banking
Background:
- Propionibacterium acnes is frequently identified as a contaminant in platelet concentrates (PCs).
- Understanding the source of bacterial contamination in blood products is crucial for transfusion safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular relationship and potential source of Propionibacterium isolates contaminating platelet concentrates.
- To differentiate between skin flora and other sources of P. acnes in blood product contamination.
Main Methods:
- Amplified-fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was used for DNA fingerprinting.
- Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was performed on bacterial isolates.
- 44 isolates from 22 PCs and 22 red blood cell concentrates (RBCs) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- AFLP and sequencing identified three main groups of isolates.
- 45% of isolates were identified as P. acnes originating from skin flora.
- 55% of isolates were molecularly distinct from skin flora P. acnes, indicating non-skin sources.
Conclusions:
- AFLP is a reproducible method for characterizing Propionibacteria contaminating PCs.
- A significant proportion of P. acnes-like contaminants in PCs may originate from non-cutaneous sources.
- Further studies using AFLP could elucidate the origins of various bacterial contaminants in blood products.
