MARTX Toxin of Vibrio vulnificus Induces RBC Phosphatidylserine Exposure That Can Contribute to Thrombosis

V. vulnificus infection at the sub-hemolytic level induced shape change of human red blood cells (RBCs) accompanied by phosphatidylserine exposure, and microvesicle generation, leading to the procoagulant activation of RBCs and ultimately, acquisition of prothrombotic activity.