Non specific immunological response in moderate malnutrition.

The phagocytic and chemotactic activity of mononuclear leucocytes was assessed "in vitro", as were the total complement and component C3 and C4 serum levels, in twenty children suffering from moderate primary protein-calorie malnutrition in the 6-month to 5-year age group. The results were compared to those from well-nourished children of the same age and showed a reduction of the non-specific immunological response in the malnourished children, due to the intrinsic problem of the mononuclear leucocytes.