Estimation of platelet function state in the course of trichinella spiralis infection.

Platelets are part of body defence system, especially the antiparasite immunologic response. Platelets manifest their functions only after their activation. Thrombin activates platelets inducing change of their shape and causing secretion of certain substances. This study was designed to estimate blood platelets morphology as an indicator of their activation and effectiveness of antiparasite therapy. The study was conducted in group of 21 patients infected with T.spiralis before treatment (T1) and group of 19 patients after two weeks of treatment (T2). The diagnosis of trichinellosis was established on the bases of epidemiologic history, clinical picture and immunologic investigations. In the course of trichinellosis and after antiparasitic treatment increase of blood platelet count was observed. The decreased mean platelets volume observed in trichinellosis may be connected with their activation and releasing platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin. We suggest that T.spiralis activates platelets and the degree of their activation determines their morphologic parameters.