Bacterial contamination of blood transfusion: an unusual cause of sepsis

Severe septicaemia resulted from transfusion of blood contaminated with Serratia liquefaciens. Although only a small volume of contaminated blood was administered, the patient reacted with severe hypotension, followed by renal, pulmonary, circulatory and hepatic failure together with protracted thrombocytopenia. The causal gram-negative rod, S. liquefaciens, frequently occurs in the oral cavity and is generally considered to be harmless. The source of the contamination was not detected, however. Early recognition of septicaemia and institution of intensive supporting treatment contributed to the rapid resolution in this case of multiple system failure.