Successful transplantation of organs retrieved from donors with bacterial meningitis.
BACKGROUND
The shortage of organs for transplantation is the most important factor limiting the number of transplants performed. Consequently, in recent years, criteria for considering a patient as a potential organ donor have been broadened.


METHODS
From 1995 through 1996, we have retrieved organs from five donors who were brain dead because of bacterial meningitis. The causative microorganisms were Neisseria meningitidis in one patient, Streptococcus pneumoniae in three patients, and Escherichia coli in one patient. Fifteen organs were retrieved and transplanted into 16 recipients. All the donors and recipients received adequate antibiotic therapy.


RESULTS
None of the recipients developed infectious complications caused by the meningeal pathogens. After a follow-up ranging from 4 to 30 months, 12 patients are alive with functioning grafts. The cause of death was noninfectious in the four patients who died.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study demonstrates that patients with brain death caused by bacterial meningitis due to meningococci, pneumococci, or E coli may be suitable organ donors. Transplantation of organs from such donors does not increase the risk of infection transmission to the recipient, provided that both donor and recipient had received adequate antibiotic therapy.
López-Navidad
A
A
Transplant Coordination Unit, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.
Domingo
P
P
Caballero
F
F
González
C
C
Santiago
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002102:Cadaver; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016377:Organ Transplantation; D014019:Tissue Donors; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement / Q000592:standards*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents