Blood clotting

Definition

Blood clotting, also known as coagulation, is the process by which blood changes from a liquid to a gel, forming a blood clot. This mechanism is crucial in stopping bleeding and involves a cascade of events primarily mediated by platelets and various plasma proteins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bacterial pathogens can produce coagulase, an enzyme that promotes blood clotting to protect themselves from the host immune system.
2. Staphylococcus aureus is a well-known bacterium that uses coagulase as a virulence factor.
3. Coagulation can be disrupted by certain bacterial toxins, leading to conditions like disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
4. Some viruses manipulate the host's clotting mechanisms to facilitate their spread or evade immune detection.
5. Host factors like fibrinogen and prothrombin are essential for the blood clotting process and can be targeted by pathogens.

Review Questions

• What role does coagulase play in bacterial pathogenicity?
• How does Staphylococcus aureus utilize the blood clotting mechanism as a virulence factor?
• What is disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and how can bacterial toxins contribute to it?

Related terms

Coagulase:

An enzyme produced by certain bacteria that enables the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, leading to blood clot formation.

Virulence Factor: A molecule produced by pathogens that contributes to their ability to cause disease in the host.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC): A serious condition involving widespread clotting and bleeding in small blood vessels throughout the body.