One of the most common ways in which pathogens attack our bodies is by damaging our immune system so that they can be even more robust in their impact on the human body. One such way in which our immunity gets damaged is called thrombocytopenia, a condition in which platelet levels drop throughout the body making it tougher for the body to form clots and heal cuts and wounds.
As per a recent study conducted by Stephan Moll, MD, and Jacquelyn Baskin-Miller, MD, both in the UNC School of Medicine, adenovirus infection, the most common flu-causing respiratory virus, can also cause this rare blood clotting disorder. This study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, informed that in this case, the cause of thrombocytopenia is an anti-platelet factor 4 disorder (anti-PF4).
Understanding Anti-PF4
Everyone is familiar with the concept of antibodies, which are proteins formed by our body that essentially mark 'foreign' bodies so that they can be destroyed by the immune system. However, in anti-PF4, these antibodies stick to the surface of the PF-4 proteins which are released by platelets. This can trigger the rapid removal of platelets from the bloodstream.
Also Read: Signs That Indicate Common Cold Is More Serious
The findings of this study are a consequence of the pursuit to help clear the diagnosis of two patients presenting symptoms of thrombocytopenia. The first patient was a young child who had to be admitted to the hospital with an aggressive blood clot forming in his brain and severe thrombocytopenia. The doctors concluded that this blood clotting disorder was not a consequence of heparin or COVID-19 vaccination, which are classic triggers for thrombocytopenia.
The second patient was in a much worse state following an adenovirus infection. The patient had multiple blood clots, a stroke, a heart attack, deep-vein thrombosis in the arms and legs, and severe thrombocytopenia. This patient too had not been exposed to heparin or vaccines. When both these patients were tested for the anti-PF4 antibody, the tests turned out to be positive.
Common Cold Virus Causes Blood Clotting Disorder
Although this latest study has offered a groundbreaking revelation that can help save the lives of countless people, it has also raised questions that require a deeper dive.
The researchers are now wondering which viruses can cause this blood disorder, and why this condition only occurs in rare causes of the common cold. As Moll commented, the research was the first of its kind, “We hope that our findings will lead to earlier diagnosis, appropriate and optimised treatment, and better outcomes in patients who develop this life-threatening disorder.”
Also Read: Novel Coronavirus: Will COVID-19 Resemble Common Cold In Future? Read Scientists' Prediction
Consequently, the researchers are now looking at preventative or treatment measures that can be made to help people who develop this new and potentially deadly anti-PF4 disorder.
