Abnormal cellular immune responses during acquired zinc deficiency

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Cellular immunity plays a crucial role in immune defense.
• Zinc is an essential trace element vital for immune cell function.
• Acquired zinc deficiency can compromise immune responses.

Observation:

• A 17-year-old male with acquired zinc deficiency presented with impaired cellular immunity.
• Nutritional assessment revealed deficiencies in zinc and calories.
• Pre-treatment immune function tests showed depressed lymphocyte transformation and negative dinitrochlorobenzene skin reactivity.

Findings:

• Zinc therapy (22.7 mg/day) rapidly improved cellular immunity.
• Lymphocyte transformation and skin reactivity normalized within 3 weeks.
• Facial seborrhea and a decubitus ulcer also showed rapid healing.

Implications:

• Zinc repletion is critical for restoring immune function in cases of deficiency.
• Adequate zinc intake is essential for maintaining cellular immune competence.
• This case highlights the impact of nutritional status on immune health and wound healing.