IRON-DEFICIENCY, CELL-MEDIATED-IMMUNITY AND INFECTION AMONG 6-36 MONTH OLD CHILDREN LIVING IN RURAL TOGO

Relationships between iron deficiency, cell-mediated immunity (CMI) and morbidity were studied in 220 children in rural south Togo. Iron deficiency was defined by abnormal values of at least two biochemical indicators of iron status viz. (i) plasmat ferritin, (ii) transferrin saturation, (iii) erythrocyte protophorphyrin. In children without any sign of inflammation, the percentage of B lymphocytes was higher in iron-deficient than in iron-sufficient children (26.7 +/- 2.9 vs 18.1 +/- 1.5). Mature T lymphocyte and helper-inducer T lymphocyte percentages were lower (51.6 +/- 3.7 vs 62.2 +/- 1.6 and 32.5 +/- 2.4 vs 38.7 +/- 1.4, p < 0.05 respectively). The number of mature T and helper-inducer T lymphocytes was inversely related to iron status. No alteration of the CMI function assessed by delayed skin hypersensitivity was observed. Prevalence of diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections and febrile episodes was increased in iron-deficient children.