T and B lymphocyte rosetting in undernourished children

Abstract

T and B lymphocyte rosetting values were obtained for 18 children with kwashiorkor, marasmus, or nutritional edema. T cell values were subnormal in all malnutrition classes, but were lowest in children with kwashiorkor. Four of five malnourished children who were sensitized with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) before refeeding failed to respond to repeated subsequent challenges; five of six children who were sensitized after refeeding responded strongly to the first challenge.