Listeria monocytogenes Transmission from Donated Blood to Platelet Transfusion Recipient, Italy

Abstract

We report Listeria monocytogenes infection in a patient in Italy who was transfused with pooled platelet concentrate. Genomic analysis revealed that L. monocytogenes isolates from the donor blood unit, the transfused platelets, and the patient’s blood culture were genetically closely related, confirming transfusion transmission. Additional surveillance and secondary bacterial screening could improve transfusion safety.

Keywords

• Listeria monocytogenes
• bacteria
• listeriosis
• whole-genome sequencing
• bloodborne transmission
• surveillance