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First report of the isolation of Lactococcus garvieae from a platelet concentrate in Japan
Author(s) -
Kozakai Moe,
Matsumoto Mami,
Matsumoto Chieko,
Uchida Shigeharu,
Nagai Tadashi,
Satake Masahiro,
Tadokoro Kenji
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/trf.13752
Subject(s) - phylogenetic tree , biology , 16s ribosomal rna , bacteria , ribosomal rna , microbiology and biotechnology , lactococcus , isolation (microbiology) , polymerase chain reaction , gene , genetics , lactococcus lactis , lactic acid
BACKGROUND Bacterial contamination of platelet concentrates (PCs) remains a serious problem in transfusion. We have been conducting sterility tests on all PCs rejected by blood centers or hospitals due to abnormal appearances. We recently experienced a case in which discrepant results were obtained between the methods used to identify a bacterial species isolated from a PC, requiring further analyses. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Bacteria were isolated from a PC using the BacT/ALERT system and plate culture. The species was identified using biochemical tests and molecular analysis. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using sequences of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and superoxide dismutase ( sodA ) genes from the bacterial isolate and related species. In addition, the isolate was cultured at temperatures of 10°C and below to determine its growth activity at low temperatures. RESULTS Biochemical tests determined that the isolate was Streptococcus alactolyticus , whereas molecular analysis determined that it was Lactococcus garvieae . These two species belonged to different clusters on the phylogenetic tree. Similar to L. garvieae , the isolate could grow at 10°C. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the isolate was L. garvieae according to molecular identification and its growth characteristic at 10°C. Molecular analysis enabled the identification of this species, which was difficult to classify by biochemical tests. Blood facilities need to be prepared with multiple techniques, including genetic analysis techniques, for identifying contaminating bacterial species. L. garvieae can grow at 10°C and can contaminate both red blood cell concentrates and PCs; thus, this species should be listed as a cryophilic bacterium that could threaten blood safety.