Phagocyte function in protein-calorie malnutrition.

Sixteen children with the kwashiorkor type of protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) have been investigated in an attempt to assess the functional activity of their peripheral blood phagocytes. Hexose-monophosphate shunt (HMS) activity in the resting and phagocytizing state and bactericidal capacity with Escherischia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were measured. The findings indicate HMS stimulation in the normal range as determined by 14CO2 production during phagocytosis. The bactericidal capacity of phagocytes from kwashiorkor patients was normal in the early phase (first 30 min) and significantly reduced during the later phase (after 60 min) of the assay as compared with cells from healthy children.