Donor Leucocytosis Predicts Bacterial and Fungal Contamination of the Preservation Solution in Visceral Organ Transplantation

Introduction: Contamination of the preservation solution may contribute to septic complications that can occur after transplantation and cause higher morbidity and mortality among recipients. The aim of this study was to determine potential donor-related predictors of positive microbiological findings in the preservation solution. Design: We retrospectively studied 16 donor parameters on data from our center for microbiological findings in the preservation solution used in solid-organ recovery. From January 2008 through December 2011, 976 solid organs were transplanted, and in 167, the solution was positive for contaminants. Results: The most frequently detected contaminant was coagulase-negative staphylococci. Only the donor leucocyte count (cutoff at 9.1 × 109/L) predicted positive microbiological findings in the preservation solution (P = .0024). Multivariable regression analysis found that donor age, donor sex, intensive care unit stay, total number of organs recovered, and leucocyte count differentiated various categories of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Conclusion: Donor leucocyte count higher than 9.1 × 109/L predicts contamination of preservation solution.