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Propionibacterium acnes lacks the capability to proliferate in platelet concentrates
M Störmer1, K Kleesiek1, J Dreier1
1Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum Nordrhein-Westfalen, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, Germany.
Background And Objectives:
Propionibacterium acnes is considered to be one of the most frequent contaminants of platelet concentrates (PCs) when anaerobic culture-based detection methods are used. But Propionibacteria are often detected too late when blood products have already been transfused. Therefore, its transfusion relevance is still demanding clarification because studies of the outcome of patients transfused with P. acnes-contaminated PCs are still uncommon. In this study, we monitored clinical effects in patients after transfusion of PCs, which were detected too late in sterility testing. Furthermore, we assessed the bacterial proliferation of Propionibacterium species seeded into PCs to clarify their significance for platelet bacteria screening.
Materials And Methods:
In the look-back process, we followed the route of the putative contaminated PC units from storage to transfusion. In the in vitro study, PCs were inoculated with 1-100 colony-forming unit (CFU)/ml of clinical isolates of Propionibacteria (n = 10). Sampling was performed during 10-day aerobic storage at 22 degrees C. The presence of bacteria was assessed by plating culture and automated BacT/Alert culture system.
Results:
Propionibacterium acnes shows slow or no growth under PC storage conditions. Clinical signs of adverse events after transfusion of potentially contaminated PC units were not reported.
Conclusion:
Propionibacteria do not proliferate under PC storage conditions and therefore may be missed or detected too late when blood products have already been transfused.
Insights
Propionibacterium acnes contamination in platelet concentrates (PCs) rarely causes adverse events. These bacteria show limited growth in PCs, suggesting low transfusion risk despite late detection in sterility testing.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Microbiology
- Blood Safety
Background:
- Propionibacterium acnes is a common contaminant in platelet concentrates (PCs).
- Current anaerobic culture methods often detect P. acnes late, after transfusion.
- The clinical significance of P. acnes in transfused PCs requires clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess clinical outcomes in patients transfused with PCs contaminated with P. acnes.
- To evaluate the proliferation of Propionibacteria in PCs under storage conditions.
- To clarify the significance of Propionibacteria for platelet bacteria screening.
Main Methods:
- A look-back study tracked contaminated PC units from storage to transfusion.
- In vitro experiments involved inoculating PCs with Propionibacteria isolates (1-100 CFU/ml).
- Bacterial presence was assessed using plating and automated BacT/Alert culture systems during 10-day storage at 22°C.
Main Results:
- Propionibacterium acnes exhibited slow or no growth under PC storage conditions.
- No clinical signs of adverse events were reported in patients transfused with potentially contaminated PCs.
Conclusions:
- Propionibacteria do not significantly proliferate in PCs during storage.
- The late detection of Propionibacteria in blood products may not indicate a high transfusion risk.
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