Could thrombocyte parameters be an inflammatory marker in the brucellosis?

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Brucellosis is a systemic bacterial infection with diverse clinical manifestations.
• Platelet parameters are increasingly recognized for their role in inflammatory processes.
• Understanding these parameters in brucellosis can aid in diagnosis and monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between platelet parameters (MPV, PC, PDW, PM) and brucella tube agglutination titers (BSTAT) in brucellosis patients.
• To compare platelet parameters and inflammatory markers before and after treatment for brucellosis.
• To explore correlations between platelet parameters and established inflammation markers (ESR, WBC, CRP).

Main Methods:

• A self-controlled study involving 40 patients with confirmed brucellosis (BSTAT ≥ 1/160).
• Platelet parameters and inflammation markers (CRP, ESR) were measured pre-treatment and post-treatment.
• Statistical analysis, including correlation and multivariate logistic regression, was performed.

Main Results:

• Mean platelet volume (MPV) was significantly elevated post-treatment compared to pre-treatment (p=0.023).
• Platelet count (PC), CRP, and ESR levels were significantly reduced post-treatment (p<0.05 for all).
• A direct correlation was observed between ESR and PC (r=0.036, p=0.025) and an inverse correlation between ESR and MPV (r=-0.337, p=0.038) pre-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Platelet count (PC) and mean platelet volume (MPV) may function as indicators of inflammation in brucellosis.
• These platelet parameters show dynamic changes during treatment, highlighting their potential utility in disease management.