TB Outbreak May Be Linked to Bone Repair Product

A tuberculosis outbreak that may be linked to a product used to repair bones is being investigated by U.S. health officials.

More than 100 patients may have been infected after having spinal surgery or fracture repairs with a bone product contaminated with the bacteria that causes TB, The Washington Post reported.

Aziyo Biologics Inc. has recalled 154 containers of the bone putty that includes human cells and is used in a range of orthopedic procedures. The products were sent to 37 facilities in 20 states between March 3 and April 2, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The company said the product came from a single donor, or cadaver, The Post reported.

Of the 154 recalled containers, 136 were implanted into 113 patients, the CDC said. Eight patients died after their procedures, but the cause of death has not been determined, CDC spokeswoman Martha Sharan said Thursday, The Post reported. It is unlikely that TB was the cause of death because the disease is slow-growing, CDC officials said.