Effect of Protein-Calorie Malnutrition and Anemia in Young Children on their Immuni Response

Abstract

Malnutrition has been shown to be associated with an increased predisposition to infection. This study was undertaken to evaluate some host defense factors in a group of preschool children with varying degree of malnutrition. It was found that cases with severe degree of malnutrition were significantly anaemic, had lower iron binding protein, and their immunoglobulin levels were also low. This study has provided the much needed data on immunoglobulin level in children of preschool age and with different nutritional statue. In addition, this study has also examined the relationship between the haemoglobin, iron binding protein (transferrin) and plasma albumin. A significant correlation of serum albumin was found with transferrin and haemoglobin, end none existed between ha11aglabin and transferrin.