Asplenia is a medical condition characterized by the absence of the spleen, an organ that plays a crucial role in the immune system. The spleen helps filter blood and fight infections, particularly from certain bacteria. Individuals with asplenia may be at a higher risk for infections and may require vaccinations and antibiotics to help prevent illness. Asplenia can be congenital, meaning a person is born without a spleen, or it can occur due to surgical removal, often due to trauma or disease. People with asplenia should be monitored closely by healthcare providers to manage their increased risk of infections and to ensure proper preventive care.