Which of the following patients is particularly susceptible to infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae,an encapsulated bacterium?

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A patient who has undergone splenectomy,or surgical removal of the spleen,is particularly susceptible to infection with encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae.This occurs because the spleen is a major site for production of antibodies specific for T cell-independent polysaccharide antigens found in bacterial capsules.In addition,the spleen is important for the phagocytic clearance of opsonized blood-borne microbes.

Which of the Following Patients Is Particularly Susceptible to Infection