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Bacterial Infections from Transfusion

Bacterial Infections from Transfusion: Signs and Symptoms Caused by bacterial contamination of any blood product, most commonly platelets due to room-temperature storage Bacteria enters bloodstream directly through transfusion Immune cells (ex. macrophages, dendritic cells, monocytes, neutrophils) recognize bacteria Immune cells release pyrogens (either bacterial components or signalling molecules) upon recognition Pyrogens bind to receptors on the hypothalamus Hypothalamus ↑ body temperature set point Body generates and conserves heat to reach set point Immune cells release pro- inflammatory cytokines (messenger protein) Cytokines activate sympathetic nervous system via hypothalamus Adrenal glands release stress hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) into bloodstream Stress hormones bind to receptors on cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells) ↑ Heart contractility ↑ Heart rate Cytokines circulate throughout the body Cytokines interact with endothelial cells of the blood vessels ↑ Nitric oxide production Relaxes smooth muscle cells of blood vessel walls Vasodilation (↑ blood vessel diameter) Hypotension Systemic inflammation Stimulate nerve endings in muscles Stimulate nerve endings in gastrointestinal tract’s lining Blood brain barrier’s integrity is compromised Nitric oxide reacts with oxygen to form reactive nitrogen species Tissue damage Fatigue Weakness Muscle aches Nausea and vomiting Immune and inflammatory cells enter the brain Authors: Arzina Jaffer Kayleigh Yang Reviewers: Nimaya De Silva Raafi Ali Michelle J. Chen Yan Yu* Kareem Jamani* * MD at time of publication Inflammation in the brain Activates pain processing centers in the brain Headache Damages neurons and disrupts cell communication Confusion and altered mental state Shivering Fever Legend: Pathophysiology Mechanism Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding Complications Published January 30, 2024 on www.thecalgaryguide.com