skip to main content

Asplenic Traveller Risk — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateInfectious DiseasesAsplenic Traveller RiskRACP Adult Medicine

A 25-year-old woman with sickle cell disease and functional asplenia (Howell-Jolly bodies on blood film) is planning travel to a malaria-endemic region. She is up to date with pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccines. She asks about additional precautions. What is the most important additional risk?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Overwhelming malaria (impaired splenic clearance of parasitised RBCs)

Functional asplenia in SCD increases malaria risk and severity — the spleen is critical for clearing parasitised RBCs. Malaria prophylaxis is ESSENTIAL. All recommended travel vaccines should be given (noting potentially reduced vaccine responses). Patients should carry emergency standby antibiotics AND antimalarials. SCD patients also have sickling risk at altitude and with dehydration during travel. Comprehensive travel medicine assessment is required.

Reference: Spleen Australia – 2024; eTG Antibiotic 2025 – Malaria in SCD