Antiplatelet therapy abrogates platelet-assisted Staphylococcus aureus infectivity of biological heart valve conduits

Objective Although recent advances in pulmonary valve replacement have enabled excellent hemodynamics, infective endocarditis remains a serious complication, particularly for implanted bovine jugular vein (BJV) conduits. Methods We investigated contributions by platelets and plasma fibrinogen to initiation on various grafts used replacement. Thus, adherence of Staphylococcus aureus 5 graft tissues was studied quantitatively perfusion chambers, assisted microscopic analysis. also evaluated standard antiplatelet therapy prevent onset S endocarditis. Results Of all tissues, pericardium (BP) showed the greatest binding. Perfusion plasma-precoated identified BP BJVwall with affinity aureus. Perfusions anticoagulated human blood over triggered more platelet adhesion as single platelets. Several controls confirmed that both were recruited immobilized fibrinogen. In addition, perfusions (and controls) plasma-coated whole blood, spiked aureus, revealed bacteria exclusively bound adhered Both platelet-mediated recruitment required αIIbβ3 coated or soluble fibrinogen, respectively, interactions abrogated αIIbβ3-antagonist eptifibatide. Also, (aspirin/ticagrelor) reduced BJV 3-fold. Conclusions Binding especially enables via αIIbβ3. then attaches from (activated) Dual appears realistic approach its associated mortality.