Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
Activated platelet-derived microparticle numbers are elevated in patients with severe fungal (Candida albicans)
Gábor Woth1, Margit Tőkés-Füzesi, Tamás Magyarlaki
1Division of Intensive Care, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Therapy, University of Pécs, Ifjúság str. 13, 7624 Pécs, Hungary.
Background:
The treatment of severe sepsis highly depends on the identification of bacteria or fungi from blood and/or other body materials. Although widely available blood culturing and risk assessment scores are not completely reliable, current guidelines do not recommend the wide empirical use of antifungal medications based on questionable benefit or possible side-effects. We aimed to test whether platelet-derived microparticle (MP) measurements can improve the early detection of the infective agent behind sepsis.
Methods:
Thirty-three consecutive severe septic patients from our university intensive care unit were included in our prospective study. MP number and surface antigen characteristics were followed by flow cytometry on days 1 (admission), 3 and 5. For microbiological identification, various specimens were collected on admission and in case of overall status deterioration.
Results:
On admission, septic patients showed elevated annexin V and constitutive platelet marker (CD41)-positive MP numbers compared with volunteers. Mixed fungal septic patients showed significantly elevated annexin V and CD41-positive particle numbers on day 1 (P < 0.05) compared with the non-fungal septic group. Adhesive platelet marker (CD42a) harbouring vesicles were negligible in the non-fungal group, while fungal septic patients showed significantly elevated numbers in all measurements (P < 0.01). Particles from activated platelets (PAC1) had elevated numbers in the first and fifth study days compared with non-fungal septic patients (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
The measurement of CD42a- and PAC1-positive microparticles may provide important additional information which can help to improve the early instalment of antifungal therapy of severe septic patients.
Insights
Platelet-derived microparticles (MPs) show promise for early sepsis detection. Elevated CD42a- and PAC1-positive MPs may improve timely antifungal therapy in severe fungal sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Accurate identification of infectious agents is crucial for severe sepsis treatment.
- Current diagnostic methods like blood cultures have limitations.
- Empirical antifungal use is restricted due to questionable efficacy and side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate platelet-derived microparticle (MP) measurements for improving early sepsis detection.
- To determine if MP analysis can aid in identifying fungal infections in severe sepsis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 33 severe septic patients in an intensive care unit.
- Flow cytometry used to measure MP number and surface antigens on days 1, 3, and 5.
- Microbiological specimens collected for pathogen identification.
Main Results:
- Septic patients exhibited increased annexin V and CD41-positive MPs compared to controls.
- Fungal sepsis patients had significantly higher annexin V and CD41-positive MPs on day 1.
- Elevated CD42a-positive MPs were found in fungal sepsis, while PAC1-positive MPs were higher in early and late stages of sepsis.
Conclusions:
- CD42a- and PAC1-positive microparticle measurements offer valuable data for sepsis management.
- These MP markers may enhance early antifungal therapy decisions in severe septic patients.
