Abstract
Pneumonia represents one of the major infectious diseases in developing countries and is associated with high mortality, in particular in children under the age of five. The main causative bacterial agents are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B, accounting for 33% and 16%, respectively, of the mortality in under-fives. Iron modulates the immune response in infectious diseases and increased iron levels can lead to complications such as sepsis and multiorgan failure. This review will look into the use of iron chelators in order to reduce microbial growth and attenuate a dysregulated immune response during infection. Our hypothesis is that temporary restriction of iron will lessen the incidence and complication rate of infections like pneumonia and result in a decrease of mortality and morbidity.
Highlights
Pneumonia is recognized as one of the leading causes of mortality in developing countries, in particular in children under the age of five [1]
In a study conducted at Dhaka Hospital among 401 children under five with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRI), it was observed that the most common manifestation was pneumonia, and a respiratory pathogen was identified in 30% of cases
A multinational surveillance study found that many Asian countries indicated that there was a distinct rise in the prevalence rates and the levels of antimicrobial resistance among S. pneumoniae isolates
Summary
Pneumonia is recognized as one of the leading causes of mortality in developing countries, in particular in children under the age of five [1]. The most important causative bacterial pathogens for childhood pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B. Prior to the introduction of conjugate vaccines in lower and middle-income countries (LMIC), 33% and 16%, respectively, of deaths were caused by S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae type B [2]. Sepsis is the terminal event in acutely ill children with pneumonia leading to severe sepsis and septic shock [5]. Invading microorganisms require iron for their multiplication. They utilize siderophores (natural iron chelators) to obtain iron from the host. The iron status is an important factor in the fight against pulmonary infections [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
