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Antigenemia in fulminant pneumococcemia

J D Coonrod, R P Leach

    Annals of Internal Medicine
    |May 1, 1976
    PubMed

    Insights

    Fulminant pneumococcemia in asplenic patients caused purpura and coagulopathy. This suggests circulating pneumococcal antigens may trigger coagulopathy during severe pneumococcal infections.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Immunology
    • Hematology

    Background:

    • Asplenic individuals are at increased risk for severe pneumococcal infections.
    • Fulminant pneumococcemia can present with complex clinical manifestations.

    Observation:

    • Two asplenic patients with severe pneumococcal infections exhibited purpura and coagulopathy.
    • Low serum complement levels (C3 and C4) were observed in both patients.
    • Elevated levels of circulating pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide and C-substance were detected.

    Findings:

    • The presence of circulating pneumococcal antigens correlated with coagulopathy in pneumococcemia.
    • Diplococci were identified in one patient's peripheral blood smear.

    Implications:

    • Circulating pneumococcal antigens may play a role in the pathogenesis of coagulopathy during severe pneumococcal disease.
    • Understanding this mechanism could inform treatment strategies for asplenic patients with pneumococcemia.

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