Bacterial infections and the sickling disorders - a review

ABSTRACT

Patients suffering from the sickling disorders have an increased susceptibility to bacterial infections which claim a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The most common bacterial infections include pneumonia, meningitis, osteomyelitis, pyelonephritis and general sepsis. The prevalence, site of infection and susceptibility to various organisms varies in the different age groups. Streptococcus pneumoniae, haemophilis influenzae, salmonella species and staphylococcus aureus are among the organisms which are the most common cause of infections both in children and adults with the sickling disorders. Early diagnosis of the sickling disorders in the newborn, proper health care, adequate nutrition, early diagnosis of infection and prompt treatment are some of the factors which have contributed to improve the morbidity and mortality rates in the developed countries. Two strategies adopted to safeguard the susceptible patients against pneumoccocal infection are pneumococcal vaccination and penicillin prophylaxis. This paper reviews the commonly encountered infections, possible defects in the immune system and recently adopted prophylactic measures. Suggestions for improving the survival of patients with the sickling disorders are discussed