The anaemia of infection

Anaemia is a common finding in infected individuals, and in many cases is a n indicator of disease activity and/or duration. The term 'anaemia of infec tion' refers to a specific syndrome related to the more broadly defined 'an aemia of chronic disease', in this syndrome, cytokines produced as part of the host response to infection induce anaemia by well-defined pathophysiolo gical mechanisms. In this chapter, the diagnosis, significance, pathophysio logy and treatment of the anaemia of infection will be reviewed. Other mech anisms which can produce anaemia in infected individuals will also be revie wed.