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Iron deficiency and infection

  • Symposium on Nutritional Anemia
  • Published:
The Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency in the world. Children, particularly infants living in developing countries are highly vulnerable to infectious diseases. Therefore, understanding the relationship between iron deficiency and infection is of great importance. Iron deficiency is associated with impairment of innate (natural) immunity and cell mediated immunity, thereby contributing to increased risk of infections. The iron acquisition by the microbes and their virulence is determined by various host and microbial mechanisms. Altering these mechanisms might provide modes of future therapy for infectious diseases.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalya, Geeta Colony, Delhi, India

    Vishal Kumar

  2. Department of Hematology, Paras Hospital, Gurgaon, Sun Flag Pahuja Centre for Blood Disorders, Faridabad, India

    V. P. Choudhry

  3. Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalya, Geeta Colony, Delhi, 110031, India

    Vishal Kumar

Authors
  1. Vishal Kumar
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  2. V. P. Choudhry
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Correspondence to Vishal Kumar.

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Kumar, V., Choudhry, V.P. Iron deficiency and infection. Indian J Pediatr 77, 789–793 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-010-0120-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-010-0120-3

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