Effects of different group B streptococci strains on platelet activation

AIM: To explore the ability of different group B streptococci (GBS) strains on inducing platelet activation. METHODS: Six strains of GBS, separated from the septic patients with thrombocytopenia, were used as the inducers. Light transmission aggregometry was used to measure platelet aggregation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to investigate the interaction of platelets with bacteria. The expression of platelet CD62P, Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 was determined by flow cytometry and Western blotting. Furthermore, the activity of platelet TLR2 (or TLR4) was blocked by anti-TLR2 (or anti-TLR4) monoclonal antibody, and the platelet aggregation induced by GBS was detected. RESULTS: Only 3 of 6 GBS strains isolated from the septic patients induced platelet aggregation and up-regulated the expression of CD62P and TLR2 in the platelets (P < 0.05), but not TLR4. Incubation with anti-TLR2 antibody, but not anti-TLR4 antibody, significantly blocked platelet aggregation induced by GBS.CONCLUSION: Some GBS strains from the patients are able to trigger platelet activation in vitro, and platelet TLR2 may play an important role in the interaction between GBS and platelets.