Microbial contamination of hematopoietic progenitor and other regenerative cells used in transplantation and regenerative medicine

Abstract

The incidence of microbial contamination of progenitor cell products in our institution over a 6-year period was low (0.8% overall), with contaminants originating from infected central venous catheters or from skin flora. All contaminants were bacterial species of low virulence, present in low titers and, if transfused, did not result in adverse reactions.