The immune response in iron-deficient children: Impaired cellular defense mechanisms with altered humoral components

摘要: Humoral and cellular defense mechanisms were evaluated in 20 children with iron deficiency anemia seven latent deficiency. Serum immunoglobulin concentrations, salivary IgA, total hemolytic complement within normal range; C′3 concentration was increased. Tests of lymphocyte function showed impaired delayed hypersensitivity skin responses vivo decreased vitro H 3 -thymidine incorporation following stimulation phytohemagglutinin candida antigen. neutrophil nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction, bactericidal function, increased chemotatic activity. These abnormalities could be detected before the development clinical suggesting that altered immunologic an early manifestation Normal results obtained two to three months after therapy begun. The implication these findings is discussed relationship reported susceptibility iron-deficient intercurrent infections.