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Microbiological contamination in androgens from the black market
T J Verdegaal1,2, P Bond3,4, M J H M Jansen3,4
1Department of Internal Medicine, Spaarne Gasthuis, Boerhaavelaan 22, 2035 RC, Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands. tverdegaal@spaarnegasthuis.nl.
Harm Reduction Journal
|December 5, 2025
Summary
Black market androgens, even unused ones, can harbor bacteria, posing risks for injection-related infections. This study highlights the dangers of microbiological contamination in illicit androgen products.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Black market androgens are often manufactured under unhygienic conditions.
- This raises concerns about microbiological contamination and injection-related infections.
- Illicit androgen production lacks quality control, increasing user health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of bacterial contamination in black market androgens.
- To assess the risk of infection associated with using these products.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial cultures (aerobic and anaerobic) were performed on submitted androgen samples.
- Blood culture enrichment techniques were employed.
- Participants using the products were monitored for injection-related infections.
Main Results:
- Bacterial contamination was found in 9% of used vials and 2% of unused vials.
- Identified bacteria included Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Micrococcus luteus.
- No participants developed infections linked to the contaminated androgen products.
Conclusions:
- Both used and unused black market androgens can be contaminated with bacteria.
- This contamination presents a significant risk for users, potentially leading to abscesses and other serious health issues.
- Androgen users must be informed about these underrecognized injection-related risks.
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