Prevalence of bacterial contamination in blood and blood products at the National Blood Service Zimbabwe

Authors

  • Ngonidzashe Makuni National Blood Service Zimbabwe, Mazoe North Street, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Clifford Simango University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Rooyen T Mavenyengwa University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.5428

Keywords:

bacterial, contamination, transfusion infections, Africa

Abstract

Introduction: Advances in screening for infections improve the safety of donated blood. Transfusion-related bacterial sepsis, although not established in Zimbabwe, stills makes bacterial contamination of blood clinically relevant.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Harare. Bacteriological and antibiotic susceptibility testing were done using standard methods.

Results: Of the 196 samples analyzed, 6 (3.1%) were contaminated with bacteria. Platelets had a significantly high contamination rate compared to other blood products. Bacteria showed varying patterns of susceptibility to the antibiotics tested.

Conclusions: The prevalence of bacterial contamination in blood products suggests that patients who receive blood products are at risk of developing infection.

Author Biographies

Ngonidzashe Makuni, National Blood Service Zimbabwe, Mazoe North Street, Belgravia, Harare, Zimbabwe

Medical Laboratory Scientist

Clifford Simango, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe

Chairman and Professor

Rooyen T Mavenyengwa, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe

Senior Lecturer/Researcher

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Published

2015-04-15

How to Cite

1.
Makuni N, Simango C, Mavenyengwa RT (2015) Prevalence of bacterial contamination in blood and blood products at the National Blood Service Zimbabwe. J Infect Dev Ctries 9:421–424. doi: 10.3855/jidc.5428

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 04: April 2015

Section

Brief Original Articles

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