Risk assessment of arterial allograft contamination from tissue donors colonized by Candida auris

Background: Microbiological contamination is one of the main risks that must be controlled in tissue banking practices. For this reason, strict donor selection criteria are applied, disinfection protocols are used, and microbiological monitoring is performed at various stages.

Aim: To detect Candida auris in arterial allografts and assess its origin.

Methods: Data on two multi-tissue donations with positive microbiological cultures for C. auris were analysed. Risk factors for microbiological contamination were assessed at procurement, processing and post storage.

Findings: C. auris was only isolated in cultures from arteries, and was not detected in cultures from cornea, musculoskeletal tissue or skin (even in the axillary-rectal sample taken from one donor).

Conclusion: The donor's own skin was identified as the most likely source to explain the contamination of arteries by C. auris. Due to the pathogenicity of this fungus and difficulties associated with its correct identification, the implementation of measures for its detection in tissue donations is recommended.