Effect of thrombocytopenia on the early course of streptococcal endocarditis

Sullam, PM; Frank, U; Yeaman, MR; Täuber, MG; Bayer, AS; Chambers, HF (1993). Effect of thrombocytopenia on the early course of streptococcal endocarditis. Journal of infectious diseases, 168(4), pp. 910-4. Cary, N.C.: Oxford University Press 10.1093/infdis/168.4.910

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Although platelets are a major factor in the pathogenesis of endocarditis, it is unclear if these cells promote or limit disease progression. To address this issue, the effects of thrombocytopenia on the early course of endovascular infection were examined. Aortic valve endocarditis was produced in rabbits by using Streptococcus sanguis M99. Thrombocytopenia was induced by intravenous administration of antiplatelet serum. Compared with controls (infected rabbits given nonimmune serum), thrombocytopenic rabbits had higher densities of streptococci within vegetations (mean log10 cfu/g, 9.78 vs. 8.11, P < .002) and a higher total number of bacteria per valve (mean log10 total cfu/valve, 8.96 vs. 7.43, P < .004). When tested for its interactions with platelets in vitro, strain M99 bound, activated, and aggregated rabbit platelets extensively and was rapidly killed by platelet microbicidal protein. These results indicate that platelets can limit disease progression in endocarditis. The host defense properties of platelets may in part be mediated by platelet microbicidal protein.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Original Article)
Division/Institute:	04 Faculty of Medicine > Service Sector > Institute for Infectious Diseases
UniBE Contributor:	Täuber, Martin G.
ISSN:	0022-1899
ISBN:	8376837
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Language:	English
Submitter:	Factscience Import
Date Deposited:	04 Oct 2013 15:00
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2022 14:18
Publisher DOI:	10.1093/infdis/168.4.910
PubMed ID:	8376837
Web of Science ID:	A1993LY58200015
URI:	https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/25788 (FactScience: 60945)