Impact of iron deficiency anemia on CD4 and CD8-T lymphocytes among preschool-school children

Abstract

Iron is a basic element at cellular and molecular levels for proper development and effective function of the immune system. Children with iron deficiency are more susceptible to infections and have many alterations to their immune profile. The current study investigates the quantitative changes for CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocytes among symptomatic and asymptomatic iron deficient children. Flow cytometry using conjugated monoclonal antibodies was used for assessment of the CD4 and CD8 T-lymphocyte subsets among 30 asymptomatic iron deficient children, 28 iron deficiency anemia (IDA) symptomatic children, and 30 healthy children. A significant decline of CD4+ lymphocyte percentage was observed among both asymptomatic and symptomatic iron deficient children when compared to the control group. The percentage of CD8+ lymphocytes increased among both iron deficient groups. The current study concludes that symptomatic and asymptomatic iron deficient children have an alteration of CD4 and CD8 cell ratios. Early diagnosis and treatment of asymptomatic iron deficiency are mandatory to prevent functional deterioration of cell-mediated immunity.

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