Microbial surveillance during human pancreatic islet isolation

during human pancreatic islet isolation. Between 1996 and 2002, pancreas preservation media and postpurification islet preparations were screened for microbiological contamination. After arrival in the laboratory, pancreata were washed prior to enzyme perfusion with either Hank's balanced salt solution (Group 1, n = 170, 1996 to 2001) or decontaminated with polyvidonum-iodine, cefazoline, and amphotericine B (Group 11, n = 45, 2001 to 2002). Microbiological contamination of preservation media was observed in 56% and 84% for Groups I and IT, respectively. Analysis of contaminants revealed 74% Gram-positive, 21% Gram-negative bacteria and 5% fungi. Duration of transport had an influence on the rate of contamination (P < 0.05). After islet isolation, Group I presented microbial contamination of 16 islet preparations (9.4%) [i.e. Gram-positive bacteria (n = 10), Gram-negative bacteria (n = 4), and fungi (n = 2)]. In Group 11, only 2 islet preparations (4.4%) presented microbial contamination. Microbial contamination during pancreas procurement occurs frequently. Most microorganisms are eliminated during islet isolation, and de novo contaminations during islet isolation are rare. Pancreas decontamination reduces the risk of infection of the final islet preparation.