title: Transfusion-associated bacterial sepsis.
abstract: The incidence of sepsis caused by transfusion of bacterially contaminated blood components is similar to or less than that of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis C virus infection, yet significantly exceeds those currently estimated for transfusion-associated human immunodeficiency and hepatitis B viruses. Outcomes are serious and may be fatal. In addition, transfusion of sterile allogenic blood can have generalized immunosuppressive effects on recipients, resulting in increased susceptibility to postoperative infection. This review examines the frequency of occurrence of transfusion-associated sepsis, the organisms implicated, and potential sources of bacteria. Approaches to minimize the frequency of sepsis are discussed, including the benefits and disadvantages of altering the storage conditions for blood. In addition, the impact of high levels of bacteria on the gross characteristics of erythrocyte and platelet concentrates is described. The potentials and limitations of current tests for detecting bacteria in blood are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Product Development Department, American Red Cross Holland Laboratory for the Biomedical Sciences, American Red Cross Blood Services, Rockville, Maryland 20855.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: L I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Friedman
authors.forename: R Y
authors.initials: RY
authors.lastname: Dodd
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D016913:Blood Component Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001782:Blood Donors; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000382:microbiology; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D018805:Sepsis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control