A perfusion fluid used in the preservation of the grafted liver represents a medium suitable for microorganism growth. In this observational study, a sample of 232 transplanted livers was collected. Perfusion fluid samples were stored for microbiological analysis from harvested donors. Bacteria were isolated in 91 out of 232 samples, post-operative infections related to contaminated perfusion solution occurred in 13 cases. The contamination rate of the preservation medium appears to be high, but postoperative infections occurs rarely. We suggest periodic detection and a protocol in place designed for antibiotic use for transplanted patients exposed to contaminated perfusion solution.
© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.