Fatal reaction to transfusion of red-cell concentrate contaminated with Serratia liquefaciens.

TitleFatal reaction to transfusion of red-cell concentrate contaminated with Serratia liquefaciens.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1998
AuthorsBoulton F., Chapman S., Walsh T.
Journal//Transfus Med
Volume8
Issue1
Pagination15 - 18
Date Published1998
ISBN Number0958-7578
Other Numbersbu7, 9301182
Keywordsbacterial contamination, blood products, red-cell concentrates, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia spp.
Abstract

SUMMARY. A 60-year-old woman undergoing surgery died from endotoxic shock and DIC after receiving a 19-day-old unit of optimal additive red-cell concentrate found contaminated with Serratia liquefaciens. No source of contamination could be found. This normally free-living organism is usually of low pathogenicity. It is a very unusual contaminant of stored donated blood, although it appears to be on the increase. When transfused, blood contaminated with S. liquefaciens always causes severe morbidity and is associated with a high death rate. This is the fifth report in the English literature., (C) 1998 Blackwell Science Ltd.

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