Type of anaemia caused by pulmonary TB –
**Core Concept**
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) can lead to a specific type of anemia due to chronic inflammation and iron deficiency. The underlying mechanism involves the body's response to the infection, which results in impaired iron absorption and utilization.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the concept of anemia of chronic disease (ACD), which is characterized by impaired iron utilization and decreased erythropoietin production. In pulmonary TB, the chronic inflammation leads to the production of hepcidin, a hormone that inhibits iron absorption and recycling. This results in a decrease in serum iron levels and impaired production of hemoglobin, leading to anemia.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because sideroblastic anemia is characterized by the accumulation of iron in mitochondria, which is not directly related to pulmonary TB.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because normocytic anemia is a broad term that can be caused by various factors, including anemia of chronic disease, but it is not specific to pulmonary TB.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because megaloblastic anemia is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate, which is not directly related to pulmonary TB.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Chronic infections like pulmonary TB can lead to anemia of chronic disease, which is characterized by impaired iron utilization and decreased erythropoietin production. This type of anemia is common in patients with chronic diseases and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of anemia in these patients.
**Correct Answer: B. Anemia of chronic disease.**