1. Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)
Ritesh Karsalia

2. What is TTP?
Blood disorder leading to formation of unnecessary blood clots
Based on ADAMTS13 gene
Rare: ≈ 1.7 – 11 humans/million/year
Can be either inherited or acquired
ADAMTS13 gene at cytogenetic location 9q34

3. Effects of TTP Blood vessel blockage
Hemolytic anemia (RBC degradation)
Neurological/Cardiovascular problems
Thrombocytopenia: leads to purpura
Kidney failure
Purpura

4. Comparison between different types
Normal
Inherited
(≈20 – 30%)
Acquired (≈70 – 80%)

5. Competing Technologies
Plasmapheresis – transfusion of plasma
Very temporary, requires constant repetition, expensive
Severe cases require additional immunosuppressant drugs
Most treatments cost many thousands of dollars and there is no definitive/permenant cure

6. My Design
Alleviates affects of the disease – not a direct cure

7. My Design Bacteria inserted into bloodstream
No specific species right now because the idea of bacteria living in bloodstream is still being researched
Researchers have found evidence for the existence of bacteria in healthy human blood

8. Expected Results
Anti-ADAMTS13 Antibodies → Anti-ADAMTS13 Receptors → Production of ADAMTS13 Enzymes
Truth table
Overall effect: allow for proper cleavage of von Willebrand factors, leading to no unnecessary blood clots

9. Advantages A relatively simple solution
Daily plasmapheresis vs. bacteria ingestion
Effectively fights associated effects of TTP
Potential to be cheaper

10. Potential Problems Bacteria surviving in bloodstream?
More research would be needed to determine which species of bacteria is compatible with design
When would the patient have to ingest new bacteria?
Rate of autoantibodies vs. enzyme production
Multiple enzymes created per detection, but…
What if immune system produces too many autoantibodies?

11. Testing
Test modified bacteria that also has the code for making a color producing protein (GFP)
Place test bacteria in solution of anti-ADAMTS13 antibodies
Process would reveal if bacteria can keep up with the rate of enzyme restriction by anti- ADAMTS13 antibodies

12. Testing

13. Works Cited
"ADAMTS13 Gene." Genetics Home Reference. Web. 31 July <
Cantwell, Alan, Dr. "All Human Blood Is Infected with Bacteria." Rense. Web. 31 July <
Domingue, Gerald J., and Jorgen U. Schlegel. "Novel Bacterial Structures in Human Blood: Cultural Isolation." Infection and Immunity 15.2 (1977): Web. 31 July < pdf>.
Galbusera, Miriam, Marina Noris, and Giuseppe Remuzzi. Inherited Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Web. 31 July <
Mclaughlin, R. W., H. Vali, P. C. K. Lau, R. G. E. Palfree, A. De Ciccio, M. Sirois, D. Ahmad, R. Villemur, M. Desrosiers, and E. C. S. Chan. "Are There Naturally Occurring Pleomorphic Bacteria in the Blood of Healthy Humans?" Journal of Clinical Microbiology (2002): Web. 31 July <
"Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura." Genetics Home Reference. Web. 31 July <
"Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 July Web. 31 July <
"What Is Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?" National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Web. 29 July <
Willacy, Hayley, Dr., and Colin Tidy, Dr. "Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura." Patient. Web. 31 July <