Organ transplant solution contaminated with Bacillus cereus bacteria

A global alert was issued yesterday after a solution used to transport most organs for transplant was found to be contaminated with bacteria, reported The Independent. The UK Department of Health said there was "no evidence" of problems in patients who had recently had transplants but it was "working urgently" to find alternative products to use during the transportation of organs.

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Viaspan preserves donor organs like the liver, kidneys, pancreas and bowel, and is often used when organs are transported in the UK, as well as other regions of the world, according to BBC News. Tests found Bacillus cereus bacteria in the solution that is used to test the sterility of viaspan. Investigations are now underway to see if viaspan is contaminated too, but doctors are still being advised to continue using it until alternatives can be found.

The Bacillus cereus bacteria produces a toxin found in food poisoning and causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps, reported Metro. Bristol-Myers Squibb, viaspan's manufacturer, said the contaminated solution was last tested in July of last year, so it cannot guarantee its safety after then.

"We are urgently investigating the cause of this issue, and our action to recall the product has been taken to safeguard patients in the UK from any unnecessary risk," said the manufacturing company in a statement, according to Metro.