title: Functional significance of growth retardation in malnutrition.
abstract: Various functional parameters involved in resistance to infection were investigated in children suffering from varying grades of protein-calorie malnutrition. It was observed that the phagocytic function was impaired in children whose weights were below 80% of the Indian Council of Medical Research standard, whereas the cell-mediated immune response was altered in those with weights below 70% of the standard. Antibody response to typhoid antigen was impaired in children with severe protein-calorie malnutrition, while the response to diphtheria and tetanus toxoids was normal in all. These observations suggest that malnourished children whose weights are below 80% of the Indian standard are likely to suffer from at least one functional handicap which may increase the risk of infection. In any action-oriented program, priority should, therefore, be given to this group of children.
mesh_terms: D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004168:Diphtheria Toxoid; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D010587:Phagocytosis; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid; D014435:Typhoid Fever
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D004168:Diphtheria Toxoid; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid