Impact of malnutrition on immunity and infection

• Published in: Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases
• Main Authors: TGD França, LLW Ishikawa, SFG Zorzella-Pezavento, F Chiuso-Minicucci, MLRS da Cunha, A Sartori
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: SciELO 2009
• Subjects: malnutrition; infection; immunity; experimental models; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Toxicology. Poisons; RA1190-1270; Zoology; QL1-991; Arctic
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1590/S1678-91992009000300003; https://doaj.org/article/bc3eff355e044916a9a06b7312ee80e6

Malnutrition may be a consequence of energy deficit or micronutrient deficiency. It is considered the most relevant risk factor for illness and death, particularly in developing countries. In this review we described the magnitude of this problem, as well as its direct effect on the immune system and how it results in higher susceptibility to infections. A special emphasis was given to experimental models used to investigate the relationship between undernutrition and immunity. Malnutrition is obviously a challenge that must be addressed to health authorities and the scientific community.