Which of the following statements is correct regarding overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis?
A. A syndrome of fulminant gram-negative bacteremia and septicemia in splenic individuals, characterized by the presence of as many 106 bacterial organisms per cc. mm. circulating in the bloodstream.
B. A syndrome caused primarily by impaired host ability to mount an effective humoral ( immunoglobulin ) response to infection.
C. A syndrome that occurs in 5% to 7% of patients following traumatic splenectomy.
D. A syndrome of rapidly appearing septic shock unresponsive to antibiotic therapy, with an average mortality of 50%.
E. The syndrome may be prevented by preserving as little as 15% of splenic mass in adult trauma victims.