title: Nutritional status, globulin titers, and parasitic infections of two populations of Tanzanian school children.
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.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000906:Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001196:Ascariasis / Q000276:immunology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006725:Hookworm Infections / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis*; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000276:immunology; D008288:Malaria / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D010272:Parasitic Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D013636:Tanzania
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D001323:Autoantibodies; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens; D007136:Immunoglobulins