Unveiling the link between common cold virus and serious blood clotting issue

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

adenovirus, responsible for mild cold and flu symptoms, to the occurrence of blood clotting and low platelet levels in the body. The study's findings were shared in the reputable New England Journal of Medicine.

The research introduces the case of two patients, shedding light on how the virus contributes to a disorder involving a substance called anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4).Stephan Moll, a medicine expert from the University of North Carolina, stated, «We now recognize this condition as one of four anti-PF4 disorders.» Moll expressed optimism about the study's potential impact: «We aspire that our discoveries will enable early detection, improved treatment approaches, and enhanced outcomes for individuals afflicted by this life-threatening condition.» In anti-PF4 disorders, the immune system generates antibodies against a protein named platelet factor-4, which is discharged by platelets. When these antibodies form and attach to PF4, this can trigger the rapid depletion of platelets in the bloodstream.

This phenomenon can lead to blood clotting and low platelet levels, which are both concerning medical issues. There are instances where the formation of anti-PF4 antibodies is triggered by heparin, a common medication, resulting in a condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Alternatively, these antibodies can develop as part of an autoimmune response without heparin exposure, termed «spontaneous HIT». In recent years, rare cases of thrombocytopenia have been observed following the administration of Covid-19 vaccines based on deactivated adenoviral vectors.

These vaccines differ from those developed by Moderna and Pfizer. This condition is referred to as VITT (Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia).