Salmonella Septicemia from Platelet Transfusions

Between 12 August 1970 and 3 February 1971, seven cases of Salmonella cholerae-suis septicemia occurred in immunologically compromised patients hospitalized at the Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health. One patient died, and two had long-term recurrences. Epidemiologic evidence implicated platelets as the common source, and one donor who donated to all seven patients was detected. S. cholerae-suis of the epidemic strain was isolated from the donor's plasma on three occasions. Clinical evaluation of the donor showed chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia. Thirty-four patients received platelets from this donor during the epidemic period, and a chart review showed a probable additional case of S. cholerae-suis septicemia. The most significant difference between patients who became ill and those who had no septicemia was coincidental administration of antibiotics to the latter group after transfusion with the contaminated platelets.