transfusion-associated bacterial infection

Introduction

transmission of bacteria & bacterial endotoxins

Etiology

• unrecognized bacteremia in donor
• contamination during processing
• bacterial contamination of donor platelets is the most common cause
• E. coli & Pseudomonas are associated with refrigerated components
• Yersinia, Serratia & Salmonella are associated with platelets

Epidemiology

• incidence: < 1 in 500,000 as cause of death

Clinical manifestations

• shock & disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• high mortality

Management

• stop transfusion immediately
• send blood back to lab for culture
• administer IV fluids
• broad-spectrum antibiotics (vancomycin + cefepime)
• prevention:
  • proper skin preparation with blood donation
  • good blood banking practices
  • deferring donors with febrile illnesses
  • use of leukocyte-depleted blood components

More general terms

• transfusion-associated infection
• bacterial infection

Additional terms

• blood donation
• blood transfusion