Received: December 9, 2008.

Accepted: May 15, 2009.

Abstract published online: June 1, 2009.

Full paper published online: August 31, 2009.

IMPACT OF MALNUTRITION ON IMMUNITY AND INFECTION

França TGD (1), Ishikawa LLW (1), Zorzella-Pezavento SFG (1), Chiuso-Minicucci F (1), da Cunha MLRS (1), Sartori A (1)

(1) Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Botucatu Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: 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.

KEY WORDS: malnutrition, infection, immunity, experimental models.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

ALEXANDRINA SARTORI, Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, s/n, Botucatu, SP, 18.618-000, Brazil. Phone: +55 14 3811 6240. Fax: +55 14 3811 6058. Email: sartori@ibb.unesp.br.