The Role of Iron Overload and Ferritin Levels in the Prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae Among Beta-Thalassemia Iraqi Patients

Background and Aim: The study investigates the relationship between the frequency of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in individuals with Beta-thalassemia and iron excess, as determined by ferritin levels. Beta-thalassemia often results in iron overload, a prevalent concern intensified by regular blood transfusions, leading to increased ferritin levels. This study analyses how these characteristics contribute to vulnerability to K. pneumoniae infections, a notable source of illness in the Iraqi patient population. Methods: Seventy blood samples from thalassaemia patients of various genders and ages were donated for this study. Thermo Scientific chemical analysers analyzed human ferritin (FE). Vitek 2 Compact and traditional microbiology recognized K. pneumoniae. Results: The findings showed that in the 70 Thalassaemia patients’ group, both men and women donated blood samples. Of the samples examined, 39 (55.7%) were positive for K. pneumoniae. The serum ferritin levels of 58 people were 1000–3000 ng/ml. K. pneumoniae infections in Beta-thalassemia patients were linked to higher ferritin levels. Conclusion: Due to blood transfusions, beta-thalassemia patients with iron overload are at risk of bacterial infections, notably K. pneumoniae. The high rate of positive bacterial infection tests in Iraqi thalassaemia patients and their elevated ferritin levels demonstrate the importance of managing iron overload and monitoring ferritin levels to reduce infection risk