Pathogenicity of bacteria contaminating blood products

Abstract

Bacterial contaminations of blood products often originate from the flora of the donor. Normally, components of the skin flora less frequently give rise to severe or complicated infections, although their participation in such conditions has been described. In contrast, bacteria that can cause infections in immunocompetent persons may give rise to life-threatening infections when present in blood products. The latter microorganisms are wellequipped with a variety of virulence factors that contribute to their pathogenicity. © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.