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A Periprosthetic Joint Candida albicans Infection Model in Mouse
Published on: February 2, 2024
Infection not associated with use of human musculoskeletal tissue allografts
Robert K Eastlack1, Thomas J Kesman, Robin Patel
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Abstract:
The deaths of otherwise healthy patients that are attributable to contaminated allografts have heightened concerns about the screening, processing, and use of such tissues. We present one tertiary care institution's experience with musculoskeletal allografts and determine the frequency of postoperative Clostridium infection. We used an institutional microbiology database to identify all records of culture-confirmed Clostridium infection from January 1990 through July 2006. A comprehensive musculoskeletal database was cross-referenced to include all possible allograft samples surgically collected or implanted from January 1990 through July 2004 to determine the frequency of Clostridium infection associated with use of allograft musculoskeletal tissue. Musculoskeletal allografts were implanted in 16,314 patients during the study period. After a minimum follow-up of 2 years, no patient had development of a definite Clostridium infection that was attributable to the use of musculoskeletal allograft tissue. These outcomes can be achieved with established screening and processing techniques for donor tissue.
Insights
Rigorous screening and processing of musculoskeletal allografts prevent Clostridium infections. This study found no definite infections linked to allografts in over 16,000 patients, highlighting the safety of established tissue handling methods.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Disease
- Tissue Banking
Background:
- Contaminated allografts pose risks, leading to patient deaths and concerns.
- Postoperative infections, particularly Clostridium, are a significant concern with tissue transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of Clostridium infections after musculoskeletal allograft implantation.
- To evaluate the safety of established screening and processing techniques for allograft tissues.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of institutional microbiology and musculoskeletal databases.
- Identification of culture-confirmed Clostridium infections from January 1990 to July 2006.
- Cross-referencing allograft implantation records (January 1990 to July 2004) with infection data.
Main Results:
- 16,314 musculoskeletal allografts were implanted during the study period.
- No definite Clostridium infections attributable to allograft use were identified after a minimum 2-year follow-up.
- Established screening and processing protocols demonstrated effectiveness in preventing infection.
Conclusions:
- Current screening and processing techniques for donor tissues are effective in preventing Clostridium infections.
- Musculoskeletal allografts can be used safely with established tissue handling protocols.
- The study supports the continued use of allograft tissues with rigorous safety measures.
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