Anemia

Definition

Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen transport in the body. It can result from various factors including nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, or infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type and can be linked to bacterial infections that cause chronic blood loss.
2. Certain antimicrobial drugs, like antibiotics targeting folic acid synthesis, can exacerbate anemia by affecting red blood cell production.
3. Autoimmune disorders such as autoimmune hemolytic anemia involve the immune system attacking red blood cells.
4. Anemia can complicate urogenital infections by weakening the body's overall immune response.
5. Hypersensitivity reactions to some medications can lead to hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed prematurely.

Review Questions

• How do antibacterial drugs that target folic acid synthesis contribute to anemia?
• What role does iron-deficiency play in the context of bacterial infections and anemia?
• How might autoimmune disorders cause or worsen anemia?

Related terms

Hemoglobin:

A protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: A condition where the immune system attacks and destroys red blood cells.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia: A type of anemia caused by insufficient iron levels leading to reduced hemoglobin production.