The spleen is one of the few organs without which the human body can still survive. Asplenia is a general term that refers to a non-functioning spleen. This may be congenital, trauma-related, the result of a disease, or it may refer to someone who had their spleen surgically removed. Not having a spleen can cause vaccines to have a weaker effect and the body becomes slightly more susceptible to infections. Sepsis is also more likely to occur.

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