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Fungal contamination in organ culture
Abstract:
Fungal contamination of organ-cultured corneas was studied retrospectively. Over a 3 1/2-year period, 5.2% of 696 corneas became contaminated by fungi in organ culture. The average length of time for fungal contamination to occur in organ culture was 11 days. The most frequent contaminating fungi were those of the Candida species. In addition to previously identified risk factors for donor cornea contamination, those corneas from donors given mechanical respiratory assistance at the time of death, those corneas with long postmortem times, and those corneas with positive postwash cultures were identified as being at higher risk for fungal contamination in organ culture.
Insights
Fungal contamination affects 5.2% of organ-cultured corneas, primarily Candida species. Donor corneas with mechanical ventilation, longer postmortem times, and positive postwash cultures face higher contamination risks.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Transplantation Science
Background:
- Fungal contamination poses a significant risk to the success of organ-cultured donor corneas.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for improving corneal graft survival rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively analyze the incidence and timing of fungal contamination in organ-cultured corneas.
- To identify novel risk factors associated with fungal contamination in donor corneas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 696 organ-cultured corneas over a 3.5-year period.
- Identification of fungal species and time to contamination.
- Statistical analysis to determine risk factors.
Main Results:
- 5.2% of corneas developed fungal contamination, with an average onset of 11 days.
- Candida species were the most frequent contaminants.
- Mechanical respiratory assistance in donors, prolonged postmortem intervals, and positive postwash cultures were identified as significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Fungal contamination is a notable complication in corneal organ culture, with Candida species being predominant.
- Specific donor and postmortem factors increase the risk of fungal contamination, necessitating targeted preventative strategies.