title: Postsplenectomy sepsis.
abstract: This review examines the infectious consequences of elective and emergency splenectomy, highlighting the importance of infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae. The influence of splenectomy on the immune system is discussed and the efficacy of vaccines in preventing postsplenectomy sepsis is reviewed. The value of alternative methods of preventing postsplenectomy sepsis is considered.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Surgery, Auckland Hospital, New Zealand.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Print
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014611:Vaccination