Aggregating resistant Staphylococcus aureus induces hypocoagulability, hyperfibrinolysis, phagocytosis, and neutrophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte binding in canine whole blood

Anne K.H. Krogh*, Jakob Haaber, Louise Bochsen, Hanne Ingmer, Annemarie T. Kristensen

*Corresponding author for this work
1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen with the ability to form mobile planktonic aggregates during growth, in vitro. The in vivo pathophysiologic effects of S aureus aggregates on host responses are unknown. Knowledge of these could aid in combating infections. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of increasing concentrations of two different aggregating S aureus strains on the hemostatic and inflammatory host responses in canine whole blood. The hypothesis was that aggregating bacteria would induce pronounced hemostatic and inflammatory responses. Methods: Citrate-stabilized whole blood from 10 healthy dogs was incubated with two strains of aggregating S aureus at three different concentrations. Each sample was analyzed using tissue factor-thromboelastography (TF-TEG) and the formed clot was investigated with electron microscopy. The plasma activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), fibrinogen, and D-dimer tests were measured. Bacteria-leukocyte binding was evaluated with flow cytometry, and neutrophil phagocytosis was assessed using light and transmission electron microscopy. Results: The highest concentration of bacteria resulted in a significantly shortened TF-TEG initiation time, decreased alpha, maximum amplitude, global strength, and increased lysis. In addition, significantly shortened PT, decreased fibrinogen, and increased D-dimers were demonstrated at the highest concentration of bacteria. Lower concentrations of bacteria showed no differences in TF-TEG when compared with controls. The findings were similar for both S aureus strains. Increased concentration-dependent binding of bacteria and leukocytes and neutrophil bacterial phagocytosis was observed. Conclusions: Two strains of S aureus induced alterations of clot formation in concentrations where bacterial aggregates were formed. A concentration-dependent cellular inflammatory response was observed.

Original languageEnglish
JournalVeterinary Clinical Pathology
Volume47
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)560-574
Number of pages15
ISSN0275-6382
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Canine
  • flow cytometry
  • hemostasis
  • immune system
  • MRSA
  • thromboelastography

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