Table 2.

Key Takeaway Message.

Key Messages

Several factors can be at the origin of a high susceptibility to bacterial infection in sickle cell patients: ➢Immune deficiency, a factor that promotes pneumococcal and salmonella infections; ➢Underdevelopment, a factor in the infection with pneumococcal and salmonella; ➢Emergence of antibiotic resistance, a factor that favors bacterial infections. Systematic prophylaxis by penicillin and anti-pneumococcal vaccination has reduced the risk of serious pneumococcal infections.