Fatal post-splenectomy sepsis in a Papua New Guinean highlander

A fatal case of overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis (OPSS) occurring 5 years after splenectomy for trauma in a Papua New Guinean highlander is presented. The diagnosis of pneumococcal infection was made from a peripheral blood smear. The finding of OPSS in Papua New Guinea is cited as additional evidence in favour of a policy of conservative management, where possible, of ruptured spleen.