Abstract
The effects of malnutrition on immunologic and host defense mechanisms include effects on nonspecific factors such as skin and mucous membranes, acute phase reactants, complement activity, immunoglobulin levels, phagocyte function, and cell mediated immunity. Malnutrition leads to altered function of the two major phagocytic cells, the neutrophil and mononuclear phagocyte. Furthermore, the influence of human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection and tuberculosis on phagocyte function may further potentiate deficiencies in cell function. Studies of the mononuclear phagocyte in malnutrition thus far have shown evidence in the decrease in microbicidal and viricidal activity. Fibronectin levels in the serum, a secretory product of mononuclear phagocytes, are decreased in infants with protein calorie malnutrition, and increase to greater than normal values following nutritional support. A complex series of events are involved in phagocytic function. The relationship between cytokines and infectivity of phagocytes has long been of considerable interest.
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