Recurrent systemic pneumococcal infection in an immunocompromised patient.

A case is reported of a splenectomized patient who experienced four episodes of systemic pneumococcal infection after receiving appropriate therapy in every instance. Serogrouping showed at least two different strains to be responsible for these infections. Immunological investigations showed a reduction in immunoglobulins, a decrease in in vitro immunoglobulin synthesis and a disorder of immunoregulatory T-cells, but immunological changes could not be readily explained by splenectomy alone.