title: Transplantation of contaminated organs.
abstract: In cadaveric organ transplantation there is a risk of transfer of infectious agents from donor to recipient. The consequences can be fatal for immunosuppressed recipients. This is illustrated by a case history in which an infection with the fungus Monosporium apiospermum was transferred from a donor to two cadaveric kidney recipients, of whom one died and the other survived with the loss of the graft. These events led to a review of the literature to determine methods of demonstrating possible contamination of donor organs. Analysis of the case history of potential donors, a history taken from relatives or the family doctor, autopsy and laboratory examinations are considered useful. Victims of drowning, patients with severe burns and patients who have been ventilated for a long time are high risk donors.
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000382:microbiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000382:microbiology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009181:Mycoses / Q000635:transmission*; D011541:Pseudallescheria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous / Q000009:adverse effects*