Research

Key message: Joining Spleen Australia is associated with a significant reduction in serious infections in people with asplenia or hyposplenism. In an Australian study of more than 3,200 people registered with Spleen Australia between 2003 and 2014, participation in the registry was associated with a 69% reduction in serious infections caused by pneumococcus, meningococcus and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

The study estimated that the registry helps prevent several invasive infections each year through patient education, vaccination reminders, clinical guidance and ongoing follow-up. These findings are important because people without a functioning spleen are at increased risk of life-threatening infections, and the study demonstrates that ongoing education, vaccination support and long-term follow-up can play a key role in reducing this risk. 

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Arnott, A., Jones, P., Franklin, L. J., Spelman, D., Leder, K., & Cheng, A. C. (2018). A registry for patients with asplenia/hyposplenism reduces the risk of infections with encapsulated organisms. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 67(4), 557-561. 

Key message: Vaccination, patient education and prompt treatment of infection are key to reducing the risk of serious infection in people without a functioning spleen. This Australian review outlines practical strategies to help prevent overwhelming post-splenectomy infection (OPSI), a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can progress rapidly. The authors emphasise the importance of staying up to date with recommended vaccinations, recognising the early signs of infection, seeking urgent medical attention when unwell, and discussing preventive or emergency antibiotics with a healthcare provider when appropriate.

They also highlight the value of carrying medical identification, maintaining vaccination records, and seeking medical advice before overseas travel or following animal bites. Together, these measures can help people with asplenia or hyposplenism better manage their lifelong infection risk and reduce the likelihood of preventable severe infections. 

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Jones, P., Leder, K., Woolley, I., Cameron, P., Cheng, A., & Spelman, D. (2010). Post splenectomy infection: Strategies for prevention in general practice. Australian Family Physician, 39(6), 383-386.

Key Message: Splenic artery embolization (SAE) is widely used across Australia to preserve the spleen after traumatic injury and is associated with a high splenic salvage rate. This survey found that the routine use of vaccinations, long-term antibiotics and splenic function testing after SAE is uncommon, reflecting current evidence that splenic immune function is generally preserved following the procedure. While clinical practices vary between hospitals, the findings highlight the need for national guidelines to support consistent, evidence-based care and follow-up for patients who undergo SAE. 

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Clements, W., Woolley, I., Zia, A., Kavnoudias, H., Weber, D., Spelman, D., Jones, P., & Mathew, J. (2025). A nationwide Australian cross-sectional study assessing current practices of infection prevention after splenic artery embolization following trauma. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.

Key message: This Australian survey of more than 2,800 adults registered with Spleen Australia explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people living without a functioning spleen. Most participants reported that the pandemic had affected at least one aspect of their lives, including their physical health, mental wellbeing, finances, access to healthcare and ability to maintain social relationships.

More than one-quarter reported difficulty accessing a GP, while many experienced negative effects on their physical or mental health. Despite these challenges, COVID-19 vaccination uptake was very high, with almost 97% of respondents receiving at least one vaccine dose. The findings highlight the significant physical, psychological and social impacts of the pandemic on people with asplenia or hyposplenism and suggest that this group may benefit from additional healthcare, social and mental health support during public health emergencies. 

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Barlow, M., Jones, P., Weerasuria, M., O'Bryan, J., Spelman, D., & Woolley, I. (2024). Impact of COVID-19 on people with non-functioning spleens in Australia. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 17(4), 657-662.

Key message: A survey of more than 2,600 people registered with Spleen Australia found that almost 20% had experienced shingles (herpes zoster), with some reporting multiple episodes. Older age, certain reasons for splenectomy and autoimmune disease were associated with a higher risk of shingles. While many participants were eligible for the shingles vaccine, uptake could be improved, particularly among those aged 61 to 70 years. The findings highlight the importance of increasing awareness and vaccination against shingles in people with asplenia or hyposplenism. 

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Khoury, G., Spelman, T., Jones, P., Macesic, N., Spelman, D., & Woolley, I. (2025). Varicella zoster virus reactivation episodes and vaccination uptake in Spleen Australia registrants. Vaccine, 61, Article 127391.