title: Pneumococcal disease and asplenia: the importance of vaccination.
abstract: Pneumococcal disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in certain patient groups including those who have been splenectomised or have no functioning spleen. Recent deaths in two asplenic patients from pneumococcal disease should remind doctors of the importance of vaccination in asplenic individuals. The current guidelines for vaccination in such patients are highlighted and discussed. The need for a national asplenic register is also suggested.
authors.affiliation: Scottish Meningococcus and Pneumococcus Reference Laboratory, Stobhill Hospital, North Glasgow University Hospitals Trust, Glasgow.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Christie
authors.forename: G F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Edwards
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008297:Male; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012606:Scotland; D013156:Splenectomy
chemical_list: D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines