BACTERIA IN BLOOD FOR TRANSFUSION - A REVIEW

Objective: To summarize reports of bacterial contamination of blood co mponents for transfusion during this century, considering implicated m icroorganisms and patient outcomes, with identification and discussion of recommended methods to reduce or eliminate this problem. Data Sour ces: Articles published in the English-language literature from which summary tables of all reported bacterial infections were prepared by c ollating published case reports, including fatalities, emphasizing rec ent concerns about Yersinia contamination. Study Selection: All case r eports and related review articles relevant to issues about bacteria i mplicated in transfusion-associated sepsis were included. Data Extract ion: The author personally extracted all data. Data Synthesis: With th e exception of Yersinia species and Campylobacter jejuni in red blood cells and Salmonella heidelburg in platelets, the majority of bacteria implicated continue to be those found in the environment and as norma l skin flora. Existing measures to identify contaminated components be fore transfusing them are inadequate. Manufacturing efforts to sterili ze these components by various methods may result in greater benefit t han those directed toward preventing contamination during collections. Conclusions: Bacterial contamination remains a problem for transfusio n medicine. Active research should continue to focus on elimination of contaminants by filtration, chemical additives, or irradiation, as we ll as innovative measures to detect and exclude infected units from tr ansfusion.