Frequency of bacterial contamination in platelet concentrates in a tertiary care cardiac hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Bacterial contamination of platelets concentrates (PCs) can result in transfusion transmissible infection. Storage temperature for platelets provides favourable environment for the bacterial growth. This study was conducted at Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, Rawalpindi, Pakistan from May, 2016 to July 2016. A total of 200 (48 hours stored) whole blood derived PCs collected were selected for the study. Sample were inoculated into Oxoid Signal blood culture bottles and incubated at 36±1°C for 07 days. Signal culture bottle with positive signals and visual appearance of turbidity were sub-cultured. Bacterial growth identification was carried out by standard reference methods. Out of 200 platelets concentrates, 63 suspected turbid and 02 with positive signal culture device were sub-cultured and identified. Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 02 bottles. The overall frequency of bacterial contamination in PCs was found to be 1%. The frequency of bacterial contamination in PCs found is very high as compared to developed counties. There is need of strict adherence to standard protocols for the prevention, early detection, and reporting of bacterial contamination in the PCs in Pakistan.

Isolation of Shewanella putrefaciens in an elderly man with subacute intestinal obstruction & appendicitis.

Shewanella is Gram-negative motile bacillus, non fermentative and facultative anaerobe. Its natural habitat is all forms of water and soil, but has also been isolated from fish, dairy products, oils, and carcasses. Often found with microflora of the marine environment. Bacterial infections with Shewanella spp. are rare. The exposure to the marine environment, sea and diary food are considered as a risk factor for Shewanella spp. infection. Clinical infections seen are otitis, soft tissue infection, bacteremia, ear infection, eye infection, infective arthritis, osteomyelitis, infective endocarditis and peritonitis.