Gastro-intestinal Mycobacterium avium complex as a cause of anaemia

Abstract

Anaemia is a relatively common finding in HIV-positive patients, with rates (among females) as high as 37%, compared with their HIV negative counterparts (17%). Anaemia of chronic disease plays a very important role in this population group, and is estimated to occur in 18 - 95% of cases. For this reason, it is imperative to distinguish this condition from other underlying or concurrent causes of anaemia that may warrant treatment. This clinical case illustrates the value of critically evaluating the parameters of a full blood count and haematinic screen, to so determine which patients warrant further workup.