Reduced bactericidal capacity of polymorphs in iron deficiency

Abstract

bactericidal capacity of polymorphs in iron deficiency. Intracellular bacterial killing by polymorphonuclear leucocytes and reduction of nitro-blue tetrazolium were defective in 12 children with iron deficiency anaemia. Opsonic activity of plasma and phagocytosis were normal. The abnormalities were corrected quickly by parenteral administration of iron. The relation between infection and malnutrition is well established on the basis of clinical and epidemiological observations. Recent studies (Smythe et al., 1971; Chandra, 1972) indicate that in protein-calorie malnutrition several immune functions are adversely affected, including intra-cellular bacterial killing by polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) (Seth and Chandra, 1972; Selvaraj and Bhat, 1972). Interpretation of studies on malnourished human subjects is difficult because there are usually multiple nutritional deficiencies, some clinically manifest, others covert but neverthe-less significant. Occasionally isolated deficiencies occur which permit the study of the effect of the deficiency of a single nutrient on each immune function. We have studied bacterial phagocytosis and metabolic activity of PMNs and the opsonic function of plasma of children with iron deficiency anaemia. Subjects and methods The diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia was established in 12 children, 1 to 8 years old, on the basis of a haemoglobin level less than 10 g/100 ml, microcytosis, and hypochromia of peripheral red blood cells, serum iron <50 jtg/100 ml, and reduced bone marrow iron. On the serum iron levels, the patients were classified arbitrarily as moderately (21-49,ug/100 ml) and severely (.20,tg/100 ml) iron deficient. Serum albumin was>3. 2 g/100 ml in each case, and anthropometric measurements were above 80 % of the 50th centile for age on Harvard growth charts. In the 7 cases studied serum vitamin B'2 and folate levels were within the normal range