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Enterococcus hirae: a zoonotic microorganism in human umbilical cord blood

Vincenzo Savini1, Tiziana Bonfini, Roberta Marrollo

  • 1Clinical Microbiology and Virology, Spirito Santo Hospital, Via Fonte Romana 8, CAP 65124, Pescara, PE, Italy, vincenzo_savini@libero.it.

World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology
|November 8, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Enterococcus hirae, a common animal pathogen, was isolated from human umbilical cord blood for the first time. This finding highlights the risk of umbilical cord blood unit contamination and the need for strict disinfection protocols.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Enterococcus hirae is a known pathogen in animals but rarely identified in humans.
  • Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a valuable source for stem cell transplantation and regenerative medicine.
  • Maintaining the sterility of UCB units is critical for safe clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the first isolation of Enterococcus hirae from human umbilical cord blood.
  • To emphasize the potential risk of UCB unit contamination by this organism.
  • To underscore the importance of personnel training in aseptic techniques for UCB collection.

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial isolation and identification from a human umbilical cord blood sample (strain DSM 27815).
  • Review of Enterococcus hirae prevalence in human versus animal populations.
  • Assessment of UCB collection and processing protocols.

Main Results:

  • Successful isolation and identification of Enterococcus hirae from a human UCB unit.
  • Confirmation of Enterococcus hirae as a rare but potential contaminant in human UCB.
  • Identification of a breach in the disinfection protocol during UCB collection.

Conclusions:

  • The isolation of Enterococcus hirae from human UCB represents a novel finding with significant clinical implications.
  • Strict adherence to disinfection protocols and comprehensive personnel training are essential to prevent UCB unit contamination.
  • This case highlights the need for vigilance against potential microbial contamination in stem cell sources.

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