TTBI

Q: The incidence/risk of transfusion-transmitted bacterial infection (TTBI) is higher than the transfusion-transmitted viral infection (TTVI)?

A) True

B) False

Answer: A

It is a less known fact that TTBI can occur not only through the donor blood but can also occur through the donor skin phlebotomist's skin, or during preparation and packaging of the product. In case TTBI occurs, four bacterias should be highly considered:

• Yersinia enterocolitica 
• Pseudomonas fluorescens 
• Enterobacter 
• Serratia

These bacteria are capable of multiplying in cold.

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References:

1. Vasconcelos E, Seghatchian J. Bacterial contamination in blood components and preventative strategies: an overview. Transfus Apher Sci 2004; 31:155. 

2. Jacobs MR, Palavecino E, Yomtovian R. Don't bug me: the problem of bacterial contamination of blood components--challenges and solutions. Transfusion 2001; 41:1331. 

3. Sugai Y, Sugai K, Fuse A. Current status of bacterial contamination of autologous blood for transfusion. Transfus Apher Sci 2001; 24:255. 

4. Casewell MW, Slater NG, Cooper JE. Operating theatre water-baths as a cause of pseudomonas septicaemia. J Hosp Infect 1981; 2:237. 

5. Wagner SJ. Transfusion-transmitted bacterial infection: risks, sources and interventions. Vox Sang 2004; 86:157.