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Monitoring bacterial contamination in equine platelet concentrates obtained by the tube method in a clean laboratory
M E Alvarez1, C E Giraldo, J U Carmona
1Grupo de Investigación Terapia Regenerativa, Departamento de Salud Animal, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No 26-10, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia.
Reasons For Performing Study:
There is a growing interest in the use of autologous platelet concentrates (PCs) as treatment for chronic musculoskeletal diseases in horses. However, there is no information on the risk of bacterial contamination during their preparation.
Objectives:
To: 1) assess the risk of bacterial contamination in equine PCs obtained by the tube method under 3 technical conditions: a) in a laminar flow cabinet, in a clean laboratory environment both with (b) and without (c) Bunsen burner; 2) identify the critical points of the process of PCs preparation with risk of bacterial contamination; and 3) identify the potential bacterial contaminants in the process and their antibiotic susceptibility.
Methods:
Bacteriological samples were taken from: the skin (shaved or unshaved) of the venipuncture site in 15 horses, both before and after being disinfected; hands and throat of the operator; caps of the tubes where the blood was processed; environment where the equine blood samples were collected; laboratory environment; laminar flow cabinet; bacteriological stove; and PCs obtained under 3 technical conditions.
Results:
Bacteria were isolated from nonaseptically prepared equine skin, hands and throat of the operator, and the place where the blood samples were taken. Bacteria were not isolated from tube caps, laboratory environment, laminar flow cabinet or PCs. The isolated bacteria were normal biota from equine skin, human skin and throat, and environmental contaminants. Of the isolated bacteria, 23% were resistant to penicillin, 19% to ampicillin, 2.12% to ceftiofur, 3.2% to sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim and 1.1% to enrofloxacin. Resistance to amikacin and gentamicin was not seen.
Conclusions And Potential Relevance:
Uncontaminated PCs can be obtained by the tube method in a clean laboratory environment without the need for either a laminar flow cabinet or a Bunsen burner. It is mandatory to perform the procedure following strict aseptic technique.
Insights
Preparing equine platelet concentrates (PCs) for musculoskeletal diseases is safe from bacterial contamination using the tube method in a clean lab. Strict aseptic techniques are essential for uncontaminated PCs in horses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Biotechnology
- Equine Health
Background:
- Growing interest in autologous platelet concentrates (PCs) for equine musculoskeletal diseases.
- Lack of data on bacterial contamination risks during equine PC preparation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Assess bacterial contamination risk in equine PCs prepared via the tube method under varying conditions.
- Identify critical contamination points and potential bacterial contaminants.
- Determine antibiotic susceptibility of isolated bacteria.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological sampling from venipuncture sites (15 horses), operator (hands/throat), tube caps, and environments.
- Comparison of PCs prepared in a laminar flow cabinet, with/without a Bunsen burner in a clean lab.
- Analysis of bacterial contaminants and their antibiotic resistance profiles.
Main Results:
- Bacteria isolated from non-aseptic skin, operator, and collection sites, but not from PCs, tube caps, or lab environments.
- Isolated bacteria were common skin, throat, and environmental flora.
- 23% of isolates showed penicillin resistance, 19% ampicillin resistance; low resistance to other antibiotics, none to amikacin/gentamicin.
Conclusions:
- Uncontaminated equine PCs are achievable with the tube method in a clean lab, without specialized equipment like laminar flow cabinets or Bunsen burners.
- Strict adherence to aseptic technique is paramount for safe PC preparation in horses.
- The study identifies key areas for maintaining sterility during equine PC processing.
