α-Toxin Induces Platelet Aggregation and Liver Injury during Staphylococcus aureus Sepsis.

ABSTRACT: During sepsis, small blood vessels can become occluded by large platelet aggregates of poorly understood etiology. During Staphylococcal aureus infection, sepsis severity is linked to the bacterial α-toxin (α-hemolysin, AT) through unclear mechanisms. In this study, we visualized intravascular events in the microcirculation and found that intravenous AT injection induces rapid platelet aggregation, forming dynamic micro-thrombi in the microcirculation. These aggregates are retained in the liver sinusoids and kidney glomeruli, causing multi-organ dysfunction. Acute staphylococcal infection results in sequestration of most bacteria by liver macrophages. Platelets are initially recruited to these macrophages and help eradicate S. aureus. However, at later time points, AT causes aberrant and d

SUBMITTER: Surewaard BGJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6295203 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature