Platelets, inflammatory cells, von Willebrand factor, syndecan-1, fibrin, fibronectin, and bacteria co-localize in the liver thrombi of Bacillus anthracis-infected mice

► Composition of thrombi in the liver of mice challenged with Bacillus anthracis Sterne spores was studied. ► Appearance of thrombi in the lumen of vessels coincided with sudden death of infected animals. ► Thrombi included syndecan-1, fibronectin, fibrin, platelets, Willebrand Factor and leukocytes. ► Activation of endothelium by bacterial hemolysins and edema toxin contributed to thrombosis.