Susceptibility to invasive bacterial infections in children with sickle cell disease.
Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) demonstrate an increased susceptibility to invasive bacterial infections (IBI). The most common organisms causing IBI are Streptococcus pneumoniae, nontyphi Salmonella species and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). IBI are the most common causes of death in children below 5 years of age with SCD. Increased susceptibility to IBI is because of several factors including dysfunctional antibody production and opsonophagocytosis as well as defective splenic clearance. Early diagnosis of Hib and pneumococcal infections combined with antibiotic prophylaxis and immunization programs, could lead to significant improvements in mortality, especially in Africa.
Institute of Child Health, University of Liverpool, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Eaton Road, Liverpool, UK.
Anna J
AJ
Battersby
Huxley H M
HH
Knox-Macaulay
Enitan D
ED
Carrol
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D019741:Haemophilus influenzae type b; D006801:Humans; D011008:Pneumococcal Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012480:Salmonella Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae
D022242:Pneumococcal Vaccines