Properties of Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis in red blood cell concentrate of different ABO groups during 30-day storage at 4°C

Abstract

Objective. The present study aimed to investigate the psychrophilic properties of Yersinia enterocolitica and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis as contaminants of donated blood. Methods. Bags with red blood cell concentrates (RBCCs) of A, B, and AB blood groups were inoculated with a bacterial suspension of Y. enterocolitica (0 : 3 and 0 : 8) and Y. pseudotuberculosis (serovars I and III) and stored at 4°C for 30 days. Bacterial growth was measured at selected intervals after inoculation. Initial strains and their subcultures (isolated after 30 days' incubation at 4°C) were tested for glycolytic activity and susceptibility to the bactericidal action of human serum. Results. It was found that all strains grew well in the RBCCs of A, B, and AB groups. After incubation at 4°C they increased their glycolytic activity and became more sensitive to the killing ability of human serum. Conclusions. The prolonged storage of contaminated Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis RBCCs at 4°C induces bacterial multiplication to high levels and stimulates glycolytic activity of bacterial cells.