INTERACTIONS OF NUTRITION, INFECTION AND IMMUNE RESPONSE Immunocompetence in Nutritional Deficiency, Methodological Considerations and Intervention Strategies

Abstract

Clinical and epidemiologic data point to a causal interrelationship between nutritional deficiency and infectious illness. Both are major contributors to childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in underprivileged population groups. Energy-protein undernutrition and deficiencies of iron, folates and pyridoxine, depress a variety of immunity functions. Delayed hypersensitivity and number of T lymphocytes are consistently reduced. In small-for-gestation low birth weight infants, cell-mediated immunity may remain depressed for several years. B lymphocytes, immunoglobulin levels and antibody responses are generally normal, but secretory IgA-antibody is reduced. Serum complement components are low and there is evidence of in vivo consumption of complement C 3. Neutrophil phagocytosis of bacteria and fungi is intact but the next step of intracellular killing is impaired. There are changes also in the production of lysozyme and interferon. Infection per se results in nutrient losses, either actual or by sequestration, and produces immunosuppression. The correction of postnatal nutritional deficits and/or infection is associated with reversal of immunological functions to normal. The interplay of nutrition, immunity and infection, and its biological implications are described.

Higher Prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase in Patients on Renal Replacement Therapy

“…Low BMI is also associated with the outcome of infection (14). When a patient has a malnutrition status, immune cells show limited proliferation and reduced protein synthesis (16). Abnormal levels of serum albumin more often reflect an acute metabolic response to infection than a depletion of body mass (17).…”

The Effect of Caloric Supplementation on Selected Milk Protective Factors in Undernourished Guatemalan Mothers

“…affects the immune response and therefore might aggravate susceptibility to and the outcome of some infections (9,10). Cell-and antibody-mediated mechanisms ( 1 1.…”

Serum Alpha₂-HS-Glycoprotein Levels in Neonatal Infections

“…It has been shown to possess nonspecific opsonic properties [1] and to enhance the phagocyt ic capacity of human monocytes [2], Studies of the phagocytic function in the newborn have revealed impaired polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte phagocytic capacity when compared with results in adults [3], This may be related to the reduced opsonic properties of neonatal serum [4,5], Similarly, defective opsonization, especially at low serum concen trations, has been reported from studies of the immune function of severely malnour ished children [6]. Both malnourished chil dren and neonates suffer increased morbidity and mortality from bacterial infections.…”