A Case Report: Organs From a Donor With Highly Virulent Zoonotic Outbreak Strain of Streptococcus agalactiae Serotype

J Sim1, T T Tan1, L Wijaya1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.

Insights

A virulent Streptococcus agalactiae strain caused severe infections in Singapore. A successful kidney transplant occurred from a donor with this infection, highlighting transplant viability.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nephrology
  • Transplantation

Background:

  • A 2015 outbreak in Singapore involved a virulent zoonotic strain of Streptococcus agalactiae serotype III (ST-283).
  • This strain was associated with severe neurologic complications, septic arthritis, and spinal infections, even in healthy individuals.

Observation:

  • A case of dual kidney transplant from a deceased donor with infective endocarditis and disseminated Streptococcus agalactiae infection is presented.
  • The donor harbored the same virulent strain (ST-283) identified during the 2015 Singapore outbreak.

Findings:

  • The dual kidney transplant was successful despite the donor's disseminated S. agalactiae infection.
  • This case suggests that transplantation may be feasible even with specific infectious agents under certain conditions.

Implications:

  • This case challenges previous contraindications for transplantation in donors with active infections.
  • Further review of literature is needed to establish guidelines for transplanting organs from donors with disseminated S. agalactiae infections.
  • Successful transplantation may expand the donor pool and improve outcomes for kidney failure patients.

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