splenectomized patient

In humans, infection is rare and usually only affects splenectomized patients.

The first case was observed in a splenectomized patient (as were all people diagnosed with the infection until 1969).

Splenectomized patients are more susceptible to contracting the disease and the course of infection often ends fatally within five to eight days of symptom onset.

Splenectomized patients suffer from severe hemolytic anemia with occasional incidences of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly documented.

In some subpopulations, including intravenous drug users and splenectomized patients, Gram-negative bacteria, including enteric bacteria, are significant pathogens.

Schimpff SC, O'Connell MJ, Greene WH, et al.: Infections in 92 splenectomized patients with Hodgkin's disease.