The spleen is an organ that plays a vital role in protecting the body from infections, since the special cells present in the spleen kill the bacteria or germs that are present in the blood. An individual may need to get the spleen removed due to an illness or injury affecting the spleen through a surgery called splenectomy. Patient UK states that even without a spleen, an individual is protected against most bacteria, viruses, and germs, though the risk for developing certain serious infections is higher.
Sepsis
Medline Plus reports that sepsis is a complication of having no spleen. Sepsis is a serious illness in which the bloodstream of the individual gets invaded by bacteria. A blood culture revealing bacteria, blood gases showing acidosis and abnormal kidney function tests, low platelet count, low white blood cell count are clinical indicators that an individual has sepsis.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is one of the serious complications of having no spleen, states Patient UK. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung caused by infection due to bacteria, viruses and fungi. Individuals with this condition may report difficulty in breathing and have a cough and fever. The bacterium Pneumococcus is a common cause of this and other chest infections. A vaccination dose every five years can reduce the risk of catching pneumonia and other chest infections.
Meningitis
Inflammation of the thin tissue surrounding the brain and the spinal cord is called meningitis. This is another complication of having no spleen, as reported by Patient UK. This disease can progress rapidly, and the patient reports developing a sudden fever, a severe headache and a stiff neck. Meningitis can be both viral and bacterial. Group C meningococcus is the bacterium that can cause this condition. Although it is routine for children to be immunized against it, adults usually are not. For individuals with no spleen, however, immunization should be considered.
Influenza
Patient UK states that influenza is another complication of having no spleen. It goes onto say that influenza is caused by a virus, and the spleen is not required to fight off the flu virus. However, immunization is necessary once a year, because the flu can cause secondary chest infections from bacteria. This may lead to other serious conditions such as pneumonia.
