Various functional parameters involved in resistance to infection were investigated in children suffering from varying grades of protein-calorie malnutrition. It was observed that the phagocytic function was impaired in children whose weights were below 80% of the Indian Council of Medical Research standard, whereas the cell-mediated immune response was altered in those with weights below 70% of the standard. Antibody response to typhoid antigen was impaired in children with severe protein-calorie malnutrition, while the response to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids was normal in all. These observations suggest that malnourished children whose weights are below 80% of the Indian standard are likely to suffer from at least one functional handicap which may increase the risk of infection. In any action-oriented program, priority should, therefore, be given to this group of children.
Functional significance of growth retardation in malnutrition
영양실조에서 성장 지연의 기능적 중요성
[Category] 살모넬라증, 파상풍,
[Article Type] journal-article
[Source] pubmed
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