The Role of Platelets in Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Platelet Interactions with Viruses and Parasites

“…While thrombocytopenia and in severe cases disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) are associated with bacterial infection this is also true for viral infection. Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) is similar to sepsis and both can be considered as forms of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) [19,20]. Equally thrombocytopenia is a common response to viral infections.…”

“…Unlike with bacteria where virtually any species can lead to sepsis the viral equivalent (VHF) only occurs with members of 4 families of viruses known collectively as VHF viruses [20,23].…”

Targeting SARS-CoV-2-Platelet Interactions in COVID-19 and Vaccine-Related Thrombosis

“…DC-SIGN has been shown to mediate the interaction between some viruses and platelets and would be a useful drug target for virus infections ( Anderluh et al, 2012 ). The major advantage of using these agents is that the do not require identification of the pathogen which is important for a disease outbreak of a novel pathogen or in a bioterrorist attack ( Cox et al, 2013 ). Furthermore, as these agents do not affect the thrombotic function of platelets they will not increase the bleeding risk.…”