Final answer:
Asplenia, or the absence of a spleen, increases the risk of certain infections caused by encapsulated bacteria. The spleen filters blood and helps in immune responses which are compromised when someone has no spleen.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asplenia, or the absence of a spleen, is associated with an increased risk of certain infections, particularly those caused by encapsulated bacteria such as pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae. The spleen plays a crucial role in filtering the blood and removing old or damaged red blood cells, as well as producing antibodies and partaking in immune responses. Without a spleen, the body has a harder time defending against these specific types of bacterial infections.