Iron deficiency anemia can result in an abnormal immune response and an increased incidence of the respiratory tract infections. In this study we analyzed statistically the association of acute lower respiratory tract infections with anemic status and associated risk factors for a number of 166 toddlers (1-3 years), using a control group of 26 cases without infectious status. The statistical analysis indicated the significant association of the infectious status with the anemic status of the patients as well as with the rural living areas, non-natural nutrition, prematurity and respiratory history. At the same time, we found a statistically significant association of anemic status with rural living areas and non-natural diet. The results obtained can be used to stratify patients for standardized treatment to regulate the iron metabolism and implicitly to combat the infectious disease.
Keywords: Iron deficiency anemia; respiratory infection; toddlers.