Antigenemia in Fulminant Pneumococcemia

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Abstract
Two asplenic patients with fulminant pneumococcemia developed purpura and coagulopathy. Levels of C3 [the 3rd complement component] and C4 in the serum were low. Both patients had high levels of circulating capsular polysaccharide, and 1 patient had visible diplococci on a smear of the peripheral blood. Pneumococcal group C polysaccharide (C-substance) was detected in the serum of 1 patient. Possible pathogenetic relation of circulating pneumococcal antigens to the development of coagulopathy in pneumococcemia is discussed.