Question

Patients with what disorder are at increased risk for E. coli neonatal sepsis:

a) Sickle cell disease
b) Congenital heart disease
c) Down syndrome (Trisomy 21)
d) Asplenia

Answer 1

Patients with asplenia are more susceptible to E. coli neonatal sepsis. EHEC is a dangerous E. coli strain causing hemolytic uremic syndrome with kidney complications. Group B streptococcus is another pathogen commonly leading to neonatal sepsis.

Step-by-step explanation:

Patients with asplenia are at increased risk for E. coli neonatal sepsis. Asplenia, the absence of a spleen or a spleen that doesn't function properly, affects the body's ability to fight off bacterial infections effectively, which includes infections by various strains of E. coli. Among these strains, EHEC (Enterohemorrhagic E. coli) is particularly concerning as it can cause severe, life-threatening complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), characterized by the destruction of red blood cells and kidney failure. HUS can develop after an initial diarrheal illness caused by EHEC, often leading to bloody diarrhea and renal complications. S. agalactiae, or Group B streptococcus (GBS), commonly causes neonatal infections like sepsis and meningitis and is predominantly transferred to the infant from the mother during childbirth, highlighting a different pathogen-related neonatal risk.