title: Thrombocytopenia and infections.
abstract: Acquired thrombocytopenia recognizes a myriad of causes. Among these, infectious diseases play a relevant role since a low platelet count is commonplace along with other abnormal laboratory data. Areas covered: This narrative review, after a brief presentation of the possible pathogenic mechanisms, is focused on the most prevalent infections associated with thrombocytopenia, namely those attributable to hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Helicobacter pylori. Expert commentary: An underlying HCV or HIV infection should always be suspected in patients at risk who present with isolated thrombocytopenia. The eradication of Helicobacter pylori is advisable in infected patients with secondary immune thrombocytopenia, because this will increase the platelet count in a substantial number of cases, thus avoiding more aggressive and prolonged treatments.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine , Carlo Poma Hospital , Mantova , Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Franchini
authors.affiliation: b Department of Medicine, Section of Haematology , University of Verona , Verona , Italy.
authors.forename: Dino
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Veneri
authors.affiliation: c Section of Clinical Biochemistry , University of Verona , Verona , Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lippi
mesh_terms: D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism
keywords: HCV; HIV; Helicobacter pylori; Infections; thrombocytopenia