Leucocyte migration inhibition factor (L-MIF) in malnourished Nigerian children

Abstract

Leucocyte Migration Inhibition Factor (L-MIF) was measured in 41 children with marasmus, 19 with kwashiorkor, 5 with marasmus-kwashiorkor and 35 well-fed healthy children serving as controls. For L-MIF assay, two different antigens (live attenuated measles virus vaccine and diphtheria pertussis tetanus (DPT) vaccine were used. Percentage migration indices obtained with the two antigens were significantly higher in the malnourished than in the well-fed healthy sex and age-matched controls (P<0.01). The total serum protein and albumin concentrations were significantly reduced in the malnourished children compared with the controls(P<0.01). Mean total leucocyte numbers were not significantly different in marasmus and marasmus-kwashiorkor children compared with the controls (P>0.21)