Hyperaggregation of platelets in intestinal tuberculosis: role of platelets in chronic inflammation.

Eighty-eight percent (38/43) patients of intestinal tuberculosis showed significant hyperaggregation of platelets (P < 0.001). Serum and plasma from 15 patients when incubated with normal platelets caused hyperaggregation. Gel filtered platelets from 2 patients suspended in normal plasma showed hyperaggregation of platelets with arachidonic acid. Tubercular protein had no effect on platelet aggregation. A role of hyperactive platelets in chronic inflammatory response is discussed.