Bacterial Contamination of Whole Blood-Derived Platelet Concentrates: Results of a Prospective Multicentre Study from Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of bacterial contamination and the characterization of the bacterial isolates in whole blood-derived platelet concentrates.

Methods: This prospective study included 1,254 samples of 72 hours’ post-donation PCs (whole blood-derived) studied from January to December 2023. PCs from three different blood centres were studied, including Peshawar Regional Blood Centre, Peshawar (n = 766), Mirpur Regional Blood Centre, Mirpur (n = 425), and Dr. Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital Blood Bank, Islamabad (n = 63). Using aseptic technique, a 10 ml blood sample was obtained from the PC bag and inoculated into BD BACTEC™ aerobic/anaerobic platelet quality control testing culture bottles. The bottles were incubated in the BD BACTEC™ blood culture system for seven days at 37°C. Culture bottles indicating bacterial growth were sub-cultured, and microbiological tests were used to identify and classify bacterial strains.

Results: The study revealed that seven PCs were found to be contaminated, showing a contamination rate of 1 in 179 (0.55%). None of the platelet units with positive screening tests were ultimately transfused. The bacteria detected were consistent with skin microbial flora that are connected to non-fatal septic blood transfusion reactions. The majority (71.42%; n = 5) were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus, with two cases of gram-positive Propionibacterium acnes (28.58%).

Conclusion: The study underscores the critical importance of implementing screening measures for bacterial contamination of blood products.