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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Murine Kidney Transplant Technique
Published on: October 20, 2015
Contamination of preservation fluid in kidney transplantation: single-center analysis
M Veroux1, D Corona, V Scriffignano
1Department of Surgery, Vascular Surgery and Organ Transplant Unit, University Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy. veroux@unict.it
Introduction:
Contamination of preservation fluid is common, with a reported incidence of 2.2% to 28.0%, and may be a major cause of early morbidity after transplantation. Herein, we report our experience with routine examination of preservation fluid collected just before implantation, focusing on the rate of contamination and the clinical consequences to recipients.
Materials And Methods:
We analyzed 62 samples of preservation fluid for microbial and fungal contamination.
Results:
Twenty-four samples (38.7%) were contaminated with at least 1 organism. Bacterial contamination alone was observed in 18 samples; all patients received prophylactic treatment with intravenous piperacillin/tazobactam, 4.5 g/d for 10 days, without clinical sequelae. Six samples were contaminated with Candida species; all patients received prophylactic treatment with fluconazole, 100 mg/d for 3 months. One patient developed reversible acute renal failure due to ureteral obstruction by fungus balls at 30 days after transplantation.
Conclusion:
Contamination of preservation fluid occurs frequently after kidney transplantation. Bacterial contamination evolved without symptoms in most patients treated with prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Fungal contamination may be potentially life-threatening. However, graft nephrectomy is not mandatory if the involved Candida species is identified correctly and appropriate antifungal therapy is rapidly prescribed.
Insights
Preservation fluid contamination is frequent after kidney transplants. Bacterial contamination often shows no symptoms with antibiotics, but fungal contamination requires prompt antifungal treatment to prevent severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Contamination of preservation fluid is a common complication in kidney transplantation, with reported incidences ranging from 2.2% to 28.0%.
- This contamination can be a significant factor contributing to early post-transplant morbidity in recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rate of preservation fluid contamination in kidney transplant recipients.
- To evaluate the clinical consequences of such contamination on patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 62 preservation fluid samples collected immediately before kidney implantation.
- Microbial and fungal cultures were performed to identify contaminants.
Main Results:
- A high rate of contamination was observed, with 38.7% (24/62) of samples showing microbial or fungal presence.
- Bacterial contamination (18 samples) was managed with prophylactic piperacillin/tazobactam, resulting in no clinical sequelae.
- Fungal contamination (6 samples with Candida species) was treated with fluconazole; one patient experienced reversible acute renal failure due to fungal balls.
Conclusions:
- Preservation fluid contamination is a frequent occurrence in kidney transplantation.
- Bacterial contamination is generally asymptomatic with prophylactic antibiotic therapy.
- Fungal contamination poses a risk of serious complications, but graft nephrectomy can be avoided with correct species identification and prompt antifungal treatment.
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