Immunological impairment and susceptibility to infection after splenectomy

Abstract

Asplenic patients or those who undergo splenectomy are prone to overwhelming and often fatal sepsis, which is sometimes associated with disseminated intravascular coagulopathies. Although several pathogens are involved [Diplococcus (Streptococcus) pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Group A Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitidis], the most common organism found in these subjects is the pneumococcus, and the infections respond poorly to antibiotic therapy.