[Yersinia enterocolitica sepsis in splenectomized thalassemic subjects. Description of 2 cases]

Two cases of Yersinia enterocolitica septicemia in two splenectomized children with thalassemia major are reported. Human Yersinia enterocolitica septicemia is an uncommon condition, but its frequency may increase in patients having debilitating diseases or blood disorders, as well as a consequence of the splenectomy. Some brief considerations on the pathogenetic factors yielding, to severe infections in splenectomized thalassemic children are discussed. The high number of thalassemic people in Italy makes necessary an early diagnosis in case of septicemia. Particularly important is the blood culture, because of the slowness of the microbic development in stools.