ANALYTICAL REVIEW - HOST DEFENSE-MECHANISMS IN PROTEIN-ENERGY MALNUTRITION

Clinical observations, in vivo and in vitro testing and histopathological findings indicate that features occur in kwashiorkor children which are consistent with the diagnosis of an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The exact character and nomenclature for this particular form of immunodeficiency is not yet identified. Reports from different parts of the world where infantile malnutrition is prevalent often yield contradictory results, perhaps due to a lack of clear definition of concomitant infections and the type of protein-energy malnutrition studied. Marasmus and kwashiorkor are 2 different etiological, pathophysiological and clinical entities. More precise characterization of the immunologic deficiencies which occur in these syndromes is essential.