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Significance of microbial contamination of stored cadaver kidneys
Abstract:
The importance of microbial contamination of cadaver kidneys was assessed in 83 consecutively stored and transplanted kidneys. Fourteen kidneys had a single positive culture during storage and five had multiple positive cultures. Only one postoperative infection could be traced to kidney contamination during storage (Candida wound infection). In three of 64 patients who received noncontaminated kidneys, posttransplant wound infections developed. No wound infections occurred in 35 patients who received prophylactic antibiotics, whereas four wound infections occurred in 48 patients without antibiotic coverage. It is concluded that, although microbial contamination of stored cadaver kidneys occurs commonly, it is not an important source of infection in renal transplant recipients.
Insights
Microbial contamination of stored cadaver kidneys is common but rarely causes infections in kidney transplant recipients. Prophylactic antibiotics may reduce post-transplant wound infections.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Transplantation immunology
- Clinical microbiology
Background:
- Microbial contamination of donor organs is a potential risk in transplantation.
- Assessing the clinical significance of contamination in cadaver kidney storage is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and impact of microbial contamination in stored cadaver kidneys on post-transplant outcomes.
- To determine the role of contamination in causing infections in renal transplant recipients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microbial cultures from 83 stored and transplanted cadaver kidneys.
- Correlation of positive cultures with postoperative infections.
- Comparison of infection rates in patients receiving contaminated vs. non-contaminated kidneys.
- Evaluation of the effect of prophylactic antibiotics on wound infection rates.
Main Results:
- 14 of 83 kidneys had single positive cultures; 5 had multiple positive cultures during storage.
- Only one postoperative infection (Candida) was linked to kidney contamination.
- Three wound infections occurred in patients receiving non-contaminated kidneys.
- No wound infections were observed in patients receiving prophylactic antibiotics, compared to four in those without.
Conclusions:
- Microbial contamination of stored cadaver kidneys is frequent but not a significant source of infection in recipients.
- Prophylactic antibiotics may play a role in preventing post-transplant wound infections.