Case report: fatal Staphylococcus aureus sepsis from single-donor platelet transfusion

Bacterial sepsis is a rare and potentially fatal complication of platelet transfusions. Bacterial contamination is estimated to occur in 2% to 6% of platelet concentrates, but clinically apparent septicemia occurs in less than 1% of multi-donor platelet transfusions. The incidence of bacterial sepsis from single-donor platelet transfusions is significantly lower, possibly because of shorter storage time of apheresis platelets. The authors report a case of fatal Staphylococcus aureus sepsis from a single-donor platelet transfusion obtained through a closed system. They conclude that as the demand for platelet transfusion increases, recognition of bacterial sepsis from transfusions and continued reassessment of procedures for collection and storage of platelet concentrates is warranted.