Gram-negative bacteria are more inclined to cause thrombocytopenia than Gram-positive ones in the bloodstream infections

Chao Lin1#, PhD, Xingxing Zhou

Abstract

Purpose: Existing studies show that some bacteria or fungi can cause thrombocytopenia by infecting the human blood. However, it remains unclear which kind of bacteria is more inclined to give rise to thrombocytopenia after infection in human blood. Through a retrospective cohort controlled trial, based on a large sample, this study analyzed the results of the patient’s blood culture and routine blood tests, so as to determine which kind of microbial infection in human blood is more likely to cause thrombocytopenia. Study design: A retrospective cohort control trial was carried out to analyze the platelet (PLT) level and infectious bacteria strains, in 2,308 blood culture-positive and 3,786 blood culture-negative patients from 2014 to 2016. Results: The thrombocytopenia (PLT<100) incidences of blood culture-positive patients and blood culture-negative ones were 26.0% and 14.4%, respectively (p<0.001); the thrombocytopenia incidences of patients infected with Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria were 29.9% and 20.4%, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusions: Bloodstream infection can cause thrombocytopenia, and Gram-negative bacteria are more oriented to cause thrombocytopenia than Gram-positive ones.