Detection of bacterial contamination in platelets concentrates by a molecular amplification method

• Grant number: 12/51712-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research in Public Policies for the National Health Care System (PP-SUS)
• Start date: July 01, 2013
• End date: June 30, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Agreement: CNPq - PPSUS
• Principal Investigator: José Eduardo Levi
• Grantee: José Eduardo Levi
• Host Institution: Hemocentro de São Paulo. Fundação Pró-Sangue. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Among all cases of transfusion transmission of infectious agents, bacterial contamination ranks first in the number of cases, morbidity and mortality. Paradoxically, since recently, avoidance of bacterial contamination was never attempted, in contrast to the number of measures taken to prevent the transmission of viruses. Differing from viruses and parasites, the source of bacterial contamination is frequently unrelated to the donor, making its detection cumbersome. Platelets represent the largest risk, as they are stored at room temperature under agitation. Automated culture is adopted in some countries at an elevated cost. More recently some groups are evaluating the use of molecular amplification methods, taking advantage of the possibility of using one conserved pair of primers/probe covering all existent bacterial species. Our institution Fundação Pró-Sangue produces 6400 platelet units per month, demanding an automated system for regular screening. We will evaluate two distinct nucleic acid extraction platforms in conjunction to amplification methods, aiming to provide a cheaper and more efficient technology for platelet surveillance for bacterial contamination. An aliquot will be collected immediately pre-release of the unit for transfusion. If successful, this method will represent an important advance towards the safety of the blood supply in our blood bank, and it may be transferred to other centers, benefiting the population of blood recipients attended by the SUS. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

VIANA, J. D.; FERREIRA, S. C.; MATANA, S. R.; ROSSI, F.; PATEL, P.; GARSON, J. A.; ROCHA, V.; TEDDER, R.; MENDRONE-JUNIOR, A.; LEVI, J. E.. Detection of bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates from Brazilian donors by molecular amplification of the ribosomal 16S gene. Transfusion Medicine, v. 28, n. 6, p. 420-426, DEC 2018. (12/51712-8)