Impaired cellular immunity in malnourished hospitalized children

ABSTRACT

One hundred malnourished children in the age group six months to 5 years were investigated for cell mediated immune respone by DNCB skin contact sensitization test. Maximum number of children [54%] belonged to marasmus group and clinical infections were found in 46% of children. Tonsillar atrophy was detected in 83% of severely malnourished children. Skin reponsiveness to antigenic stimulation by DNCB was significantly [P < 0.001] impaired in malnourished children with maximum infection in Kwashiorkor [100%]. A direct correlation was found between serum proteins and DNCB skin test results: