Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
08:47
Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay to Assess Immunological Responses Against Bacterial Pathogens
Published on: April 5, 2019
Pulmonary antipneumococcal defenses after hemisplenectomy
1Department of Surgery, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington 05405.
The Journal of Trauma
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Splenectomy impairs the lungs' ability to clear Streptococcus pneumoniae, increasing infection risk. Preserving splenic tissue improves bacterial clearance and survival, highlighting the importance of splenic mass in host defense.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Surgical Pathology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Splenectomy for splenic injuries increases risk of overwhelming sepsis from encapsulated bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- The spleen's role in pulmonary defense against pneumococcal invasion is not well understood.
- Understanding spleen-lung interactions is crucial for managing splenic trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of splenectomy and partial splenectomy on pulmonary clearance of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- To determine the relationship between splenic mass and host defense against pneumococcal lung infection.
Main Methods:
- Mice underwent splenectomy, hemisplenectomy (50%), 25% splenectomy, or sham operation.
- Animals were challenged with live Streptococcus pneumoniae via aerosolization.
- Pneumococcal load in lungs and tracheobronchial lymph nodes was quantified.
Main Results:
- Splenectomy significantly impaired pneumococcal clearance from lungs and increased bacterial translocation to lymph nodes compared to sham controls.
- Partial splenectomy improved lung clearance and reduced bacterial translocation compared to complete splenectomy.
- Lung bacterial clearance and survival were directly proportional to the remaining splenic tissue mass.
Conclusions:
- Adequate splenic mass is critical for effective pulmonary clearance of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Preserving splenic tissue during surgery for trauma is important for maintaining host defense mechanisms.
- The spleen likely influences reticuloendothelial cell function systemically, impacting infection control.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...