Malnutrition and Infections as Causes of Childhood Anemia in Tropical Africa

Anemia is the most common disorder in hospital patients in tropical Africa, and it is demonstrated in up to 70% of inpatients. Community studies indicate that as many as 40% of the children younger than 15 years of age, 63% of these being younger than 3 years, are anemic. Although the anemia is multifactorial in etiology, the interplay between malnutrition and infection is still the most important element in causing the morbidity and mortality attributed to childhood anemia in Africa. Although iron deficiency is the most common cause of nutritional anemia, P. falciparum malaria is the leading cause among the anemias of infectious origin. The role of other causative agents is highlighted in the discussion. The fact that effective treatment depends on accurate diagnosis is also emphasized.