Posted by admin | Posted in Dental Care, Health Info | Posted on 03-06-2012
A type of bacteria in the mouth can cause blood clots and lead to serious heart problems if it enters the bloodstream, according to a new study revealed.
The bacterium, called Streptococcus gordonii contributes to the plaque that forms on the surface of the teeth. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream through the bleeding of the gums, can cause problems by pretending to be human proteins.
The authors found that Streptococcus gordonii could produce a molecule on its surface, which allows the protein to mimic human fibrinogen, a clotting factor from blood. It activates platelets (cells found in the blood and participate in the coagulation) and causes are grouped within blood vessels. Blood clots that result contain bacteria, protecting the immune system invaders and antibiotics used to treat infection.
Pooling of platelets can lead to increases in heart valves (endocarditic) or inflammation of blood vessels that can block the blood supply to the heart or brain.
In the development of infective endocarditic, a crucial step is that the bacteria from sticking to the heart valve and then activates the platelets to form a clot. Researchers are now looking for the mechanism behind this sequence of events with the hope of developing new drugs needed to prevent blood clots and infective endocarditic.
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