Recurrent infections in sickle cell disease: haematological and immune studies

Reduced levels of T-cell subsets CD4+ and CD8+ in homozygous sickle cell anaemia patients with splenic defects

“…Defective host-defence mechanisms have been described in SCA by many authors, 3,7,9,13 which may account for an increased susceptibility to infections in sickle cell disease. Overloading of the reticuloendothelial system with breakdown products of haemoglobin and functional autosplenectomy, defective alternative complement pathway and deficiency of serum opsonin activity have been causally implicated in the predisposition of patients with sickle cell disease to infection.…”

“…[1][2][3] Autosplenectomy and the consequent absence of spleen function may explain, at least in part, the propensity to bacteremic pneumococcal illness, Haemophilus influenzae B, and Salmonella in this population. It has been demonstrated in recent years that the risks for splenectomized patients of life-threatening infections, especially pneumococcal meningitis, are the same as in sickle-cell disease with functional asplenia.…”

Two Case reports on Sickle Cell Disease: Presented with Pallor and recurrent Attacks of Bones and Joints Pain

“…Peripheral blood smear from this patient shows sickle cells. Sickle cell patients have a known predisposition to bacterial infection, particularly pneumococcal infection [21][22][23] . Parvovirus B19 infection in these cases are not evaluated as investigations facilities such as antibody of parvovirus identification or PCR are not available in our hospital and local setup.…”

A Case Report on Sickle Cell Disease With Hemolytic Anemia, Nephrotic Syndrome and Acute Chest Syndrome

“…Sickle cell patients have a known predisposition to bacterial infection, particularly pneumococcal infection. [9][10][11] This patient treated with blood transfusion, antibiotics, steroids, diuretics and oxygen inhalation. His serum protein showed hypoalbuminemia, urine showed albuminuria, his blood pressure was normal.…”