[Anti-A antibodies and bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates].
OBJECTIVE
The possible ABO group antibodies protective function against several infections has been classically described. We analyze the platelet concentrates (PC) bacterial control results and their ABO antibodies.


METHODS
We studied 245 outdated PCs (> 5 days). The samples were sterilely collected for adequate microbiological investigation studies on sheep-blood agar plates. If bacterial growth is found, the microbiological identification is performed on the basis of standard tests, the specific anti-biotype being achieved by disk-diffusion method on Müeller-Hinton agar plates, and the red cell concentrate was analyzed.


RESULTS
Bacterial growth by negative coagulase Staphylococcus was found in 10 PCs (4.1%; CI95%; 1.97-7.37). The contaminated PCs lacked natural anti-A antibodies. There were no statistical differences when we analyzed the PC's age, colour or blood group.


CONCLUSIONS
The anti-A antibodies may be a protective factor versus PCs contamination caused by resident bacteria.
García-Erce
J A
JA
Servicio de Hematología-Hemoterapia, Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza.
Seoane
A
A
Solano
V M
VM
Salvador Osuna
C
C
Pérez-Layo
A
A
Gómez-Arteta
E
E
Gimeno
J J
JJ
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System / Q000276:immunology*; D001770:Blood Bactericidal Activity / Q000276:immunology*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000382:microbiology*; D003030:Coagulase / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques
D000017:ABO Blood-Group System; D003030:Coagulase