and mortality rates in infectious disease [24]. Several studies on the effects of malnutrition at the immunological level have been conducted in humans and in experimental animal models. Multiple immune system abnormalities, including lymphoid organ atrophy, profound T-cell deficiency, altered ratios of T-cell subsets, and decreased natural killer (NK) cell activity and cytokine production have been described in PCM individuals. In addition, these studies indicate that malnutrition decreases T-cell function, cytokine production and the ability of lymphocytes to respond appropriately to cytokines. In severely malnourished children, both acquired immunity as well as innate host defense mechanisms are affected [25-27].