Affect of viruses and infection on platelets.

[fee13]

I have been researching different influences viruses etc can have on platelets and have found some very lengthy technical data on them. I wanted to know more as to why my platelets were increasing after I increased hydroxyurea and found there may have been a correlation with having the flu 1 month prior to blood tests.

In a nutshell, viruses like influenza increase platelet counts as they encourage multiplication so they can attach themselves to them to help them spread and travel.

Viruses like Ebola, HIV, hepatitis etc lower platelets in either 2 ways; decreasing platelet numbers or killing them off quicker.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Bacteria is a little more vague. "Bacteria stimulate platelet aggregation by direct contact and adhesion with the platelet surface", but I think this is only the platelets that the bacteria has adhered to (1st link). Platelets have now found to actually be anti-bacterial, encasing the bacteria (2nd link).

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Interestingly meat consumption and gut microbes influence thrombotic events. Please follow the link to this study.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

It is incredibly amazing how intricate the body is and how important synergy is with environmental and foods we consume.

This may help clear some confusion and answer some questions

Fiona 🤧

[beetle]

Thank you for posting this. It is fascinating. I also found it a bit alarming that platelets have such a significant part in fighting infection. When I get my blood results I usually try to judge my risks based on platelets allowing/causing clotting and neutrophils fighting infection. As I presently have a platelet count of 35 and neutrophils at 0.5 it is a bit worrying! This drop has been caused by one of the drugs I am on so I am anticipating a rise in both levels now I have stopped it. I am retired and we do not go to crowded places a lot but just sitting in the GP waiting room worries me!

[light]

Hi, thank you for posting this amazing study on platelets, etc.. Back in February this year I had sudden appendicitis surgery and my platelets went up much higher then usually, despite that I am on regular treatment. My haematologist was smart and did not altered my treatment but waited ten weeks to see if this was a result of appendicitis infection. And it was and my platelets went down after all was settled down.

Wishing you well

[Bluetop]

Thanks for posting such interesting links!