Pathogenicity of Bacteria Contaminating Blood Products

Abstract

Bacterial contaminations of blood products often originate from the flora of the donor. Normally, components of the skin flora less frequently give rise to severe or complicated infections, although their participation in such conditions has been described. In contrast, bacteria that can cause infections in immunocompetent persons may give rise to life-threatening infections when present in blood products. The latter microorganisms are wellequipped with a variety of virulence factors that contribute to their pathogenicity.

Presence of Gram‐negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus on the skin of blood donors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

“…26 One in three transfusion-related deaths is due to contamination with skin bacteria, mainly Gram-negative bacteria, and Staphylococcus aureus. 3,27 In high-income F I G U R E 2 Blood donor skin bacteria: Total bacterial counts and counts of Gram-negative bacteria. (A).…”

“…One in three transfusion‐related deaths is due to contamination with skin bacteria, mainly Gram‐negative bacteria, and Staphylococcus aureus 3,27 . In high‐income countries, transfusion‐transmitted Gram‐positive bacteria and Gram‐negative bacteria in red cell concentrates have reported fatality rates of 7.1% and 37.5%, respectively 28 .…”

“…2 However, transient contaminants can be present on the skin at the time of blood donation such as Gram-negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus, which are among the most pathogenic bacteria, causing severe to fatal transfusion reactions due to high levels of endo-and exotoxins, respectively. 3 Both have been isolated from whole blood and red cells, the main transfused blood products in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA). 2 In tropical environments, blood collection sites may be highly contaminated (dust, pollution, high temperatures, humidity), adding to the risk of skin contamination.…”

“…Most bacteria contaminating blood products originate from the blood donor's skin 2 . However, transient contaminants can be present on the skin at the time of blood donation such as Gram‐negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus , which are among the most pathogenic bacteria, causing severe to fatal transfusion reactions due to high levels of endo‐ and exotoxins, respectively 3 . Both have been isolated from whole blood and red cells, the main transfused blood products in sub‐Saharan Africa (sSA) 2…”

Impact of Bacterial Contamination on Blood Supply

“…Gatermann [13] describes bacteria species known as contaminants of blood components with respect to their pathogenicity.…”