[Chemotaxis and phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in malnourished children]

Chemotactic activity of neutrophil polimorphonuclear cells, liberation of chemotactic factors by plasma proteins and phagocytic function of PMN cells by nitroblue tetrazolium reaction were evaluated in 20 malnourished children (from grade 1 through grade III) and in 20 normal children with similar age and sex, without any apparent infection. Also quantitative determination of immunoglobulins A, G and M and C3 complement fraction concentration in serum was made. Chemotactic and phagocytic activity were normal. Serum levels of Igs and C3 complement were within the lower limits of the normal range.