This pattern of inadequate reticulocyte response to anaemia among the infected patients was indicative of sub-optimal erythropoietin production consistent with the pathologic process associated anaemia of chronic infections as previously reported in patients with TB.14,15 Therefore, pulmonary TB in SCA patients was associated with increased severity of anaemia due to combined effect of increased rate of steady state haemolysis and anaemia of chronic infection. This evidence concerns the gene EPO and anemia.