Microbiological assessment of arterial allografts processed in a tissue bank

This study is based on the evaluation of data from microbiological cultures of arteries (mainly long peripheral arteries) processed in the tissue bank of Valencia (Spain). Donors ’ profile, pre- and post-disinfection tissue samples were assessed. The presence of residual antibiotics in disinfected tissues was determined and the antimicrobial potential of these tissues was tested. Our overall contamination rate was 23.69%, with a disinfection rate (after antibiotic incubati on) of 87.5%. Most (76.09%) of the microbial contaminants were identified as Gram positive. Arterial allografts collected from body sites affected by prior organ removal showed higher risk of contamination. Only vancomycin was detected as tissue release. The antimicrobial effect onCandida albicans was lower than that for bacterial species. Risk assessment for microbial contamination suggested the donor ’s skin and the environment during tissue collection as the main sources for allograft contamination. Antibiotic-disinfected arterial allografts showed antimicrobial potential.
Source: Cell and Tissue Banking - Category: Stem Cells Source Type: research