Interference with the Host Haemostatic System by Schistosomes

PLoS Pathogens

Philip G. de Groot¹  Rolf T. Urbanus¹  Perry J. J. van Genderen²  Jaap J. van Hellemond³  Aloysius G. M. Tielens³  Mirjam M. Mebius³ 

[1] Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands;Department of Internal Medicine and Institute of Tropical Diseases, Harbor Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands;Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

关键词: Schistosoma;    Hemostasis;    Platelets;    Hemostatics;    Platelet activation;    Blood coagulation;    Schistosoma mansoni;    Schistosomiasis;   

DOI  :  10.1371/journal.ppat.1003781

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: Public Library of Science

【 摘 要 】

Schistosomes, parasitic flatworms that cause the tropical disease schistosomiasis, are still a threat. They are responsible for 200 million infections worldwide and an estimated 280,000 deaths annually in sub-Saharan Africa alone. The adult parasites reside as pairs in the mesenteric or perivesicular veins of their human host, where they can survive for up to 30 years. The parasite is a potential activator of blood coagulation according to Virchow's triad, because it is expected to alter blood flow and endothelial function, leading to hypercoagulability. In contrast, hepatosplenic schistosomiasis patients are in a hypocoagulable and hyperfibrinolytic state, indicating that schistosomes interfere with the haemostatic system of their host. In this review, the interactions of schistosomes with primary haemostasis, secondary haemostasis, fibrinolysis, and the vascular tone will be discussed to provide insight into the reduction in coagulation observed in schistosomiasis patients.

【 授权许可】

CC BY