Immunodeficiency due to Spleen Disorders
The spleen is crucial to the function of the immune system: The spleen traps and destroys bacteria and other infectious organisms in the bloodstream and produces antibodies. For people whose spleen is absent at birth, damaged, or removed because of disease, the risk of developing severe bacterial infections is increased.
People who do not have a spleen are given pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines in addition to the usual childhood vaccines. People who have a spleen disorder or no spleen are given antibiotics at the first sign of infection. Children who do not have a spleen should take antibiotics continuously until at least age 5. An antibiotic, usually penicillin or ampicillin, is often given to prevent an infection in the bloodstream.
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