Septic shock from the administration of a bacterially contaminated platelet transfusion

We report the case of a 6-year-old boy who began to have fever and hypotens ion during the administration of a platelet transfusion. Subsequent investi gation revealed the etiology to be bacterial contamination of the platelet product. Serratia marcescens was cultured from both the patient's blood and the platelet product. When fever and/or cardiorespiratory problems develop during the administration of blood products, possible bacterial contaminat ion of the product must be considered so that appropriate therapy can be in stituted. We discuss the etiology, possible preventive strategies, and the treatment of this problem.