A patient with hypersplenism underwent splenectomy. The most probable oppounistic infection in this patient after the procedure is:
Correct Answer: Pneumococci
Description: The most serious consequence of splenectomy is increased susceptibility to bacterial infections, paicularly those with capsules such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and some gram-negative enteric organisms. Patients under age 20 years are paicularly susceptible to overwhelming sepsis with S. pneumoniae. The case-fatality rate for pneumococcal sepsis in splenectomized patients is 50-80%. Ref: Henry P.H., Longo D.L. (2012). Chapter 59. Enlargement of Lymph Nodes and Spleen. In D.L. Longo, A.S. Fauci, D.L. Kasper, S.L. Hauser, J.L. Jameson, J. Loscalzo (Eds), Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 18e.
Category:
Surgery
Get More
Subject Mock Tests
Practice with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects and improve your knowledge.
Attempt a mock test nowMock Exam
Take an exam with 100 random questions selected from all subjects to test your knowledge.
Coming SoonGet More
Subject Mock Tests
Try practicing mock tests with over 200,000 questions from various medical subjects.
Attempt a mock test now