ABSTRACT
Two schools in rural Tanzania were surveyed regarding the pupils' nutrition (weight and height), serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE), autoantibodies, malaria antibodies, hepatitis B antigenemia, and fecal and urinary parasites. The survey attempted to quantify the relative importance of undernutrition and parasitic infestation in determining the serological abnormalities found. Of all the children surveyed 69% were undernourished (less than 80% of expected weight for age); 63% had fecal parasites and 38% had urinary schistosomiasis. Serum IgG and IgM concentrations were raised and the serum IgE concentration was strikingly raised (mean 4990IU/ml). Elevated serum IgE was associated with ascariasis. Autoantibodies were common but no autoimmune disease was detected. Notably there was a 35% prevalence of reticulin antibody. This reticulin antibody positivity correlated with increased malaria antibody concentrations. Reduced malaria antibody concentration was significantly associated with hepatitis B antigenemia. The study illustrates that parasites, notably malaria, are important determinants of the serum antibodies of children in the tropics and suggests that mild undernutrition has little effect.
Subject(s)
Immunoglobulins/analysis , Nutrition Disorders/immunology , Parasitic Diseases/immunology , Adolescent , Antibodies/analysis , Ascariasis/immunology , Autoantibodies/analysis , Body Height , Body Weight , Child , Female , Hepatitis B Antigens/analysis , Hookworm Infections/immunology , Humans , Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/immunology , Malaria/immunology , Male , Nutrition Disorders/microbiology , Parasitic Diseases/complications , TanzaniaABSTRACT
To meet the needs of North Carolina nurses for leadership training as well as their need to have continuing education in their local community, the Continuing Education Program of the School of Nursing designed a course in leadership using the medium of broadcast television combined with direct instructor contact. Phase I prepares a group leader to coordinate Phase II in the local work-setting. Phase II is a series of ten two-hour classes in the participating home agency consisting of 1/2 hour of televised input-lecture, quizzes, dramatic vignettes and graphics- combined with 1 1/2 hours of practice which is guided by a workbook.
