Blood clots could save your life Septic shock from bacterial infections, also known as septicaemia, occurs when certain bacteria enter the bloodstream. The bacteria release toxins which can be fatal. Of those who are diagnosed with septicaemia, 30 to 50 per cent will die as a result of the infection. Septicaemia is caused by bacteria which release a toxin known as lipopolysaccharide or endotoxin. In small amounts endotoxin will trigger inflammation, but if the infection gets worse the increased amount of endotoxin in the bloodstream causes irreversible damage to internal organs and tissue. The body has few defences against septicaemia, however, a new study has found that blood clots play an unexpected role in defending the body from these toxins. The study, undertaken at the University of California, Davis, was led by Peter Armstrong, a professor of molecular and cellular biology. The study showed that blood clots absorb bacterial toxins, which helps to prevent too much building up in the bloodstream. “It’s a significant addition to the short list of defences that animals use to protect themselves against toxin-induced sepsis,” said Professor Armstrong. Blood clots form at the site of an injury. They help to close the wound, preventing blood from leaking out. They also form a physical barrier to prevent bacteria from entering the body. The new study has found that blood clots also actively soak up endotoxin, reducing the amount which enters the body. One of the deadlier consequences of septicaemia is that it causes blood clots to form rapidly throughout the body in the bloodstream. This is known as disseminated intravascular coagulation. It has always been thought that these clots are nothing but dangerous, however, scientists now know that they may be part of a protective mechanism, as these intravascular (inside the veins) clots can soak up some of the deadly endotoxin. It seems counterproductive that the body’s defence mechanism against septicaemia could also cause death. But the formation of blood clots could be what buys a person enough time to fight the infection off with antibiotics. You can read the full report at the ScienceDaily website.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 13:28:43 +0000
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