Are people with asplenia at increased risk of viral infections?

Are people with asplenia at increased risk of viral infections?

Background. Patients with no spleen (asplenia) or a reduced/absent functional spleen (hyposplenia) are at life-long risk of severe infection with encapsulated bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae type b) and influenza virus.

What does it mean to be Asplenic?

Asplenia means the absence of a spleen. Asplenia can occur in a variety of clinical settings, and it can refer to an anatomic absence of the spleen or functional asplenia secondary to a variety of disease states.

How does asplenia affect immunity?

Splenectomized patients have been shown to have low concentrations of IgM, decreased production of antibodies directed against pneumococci and Escherichia coli, and several defects in cellular immune function, including decreased numbers of T cells and a reduction in lymphocyte proliferative responses.

Why do Asplenic patients need vaccines?

Functionally or anatomically asplenic patients should be vaccinated to decrease the risk of sepsis due to organisms such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type B, and Neisseria meningitidis.

What is considered immunocompromised?

Amid talk of COVID-19 and the vaccines, you might hear the words ‘immunocompromised’ or ‘immunosuppressed. ‘ Both words describe people who have weakened immune systems.

How does removal of spleen affect immunity?

Sometimes just part of your spleen can be removed, which is called a partial splenectomy. If there’s time, you’ll be advised to have certain vaccinations before the operation. This is because spleen removal weakens your immune system and can make you more likely to get an infection.

What are the causes for asplenia?

However, the most common cause of asplenia is secondary to trauma, infarction, or surgery. Regardless of etiology, the most important consequence of asplenia is increased susceptibility to infection by encapsulated organisms, most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Omi0IPkNpY