الفهرس 
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Abstract
Worldwide, malnutrition is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in childhood. (Nelson at al., 1987).
Protein Energy Malnutrition constitutes a major pediatric problem in most developing countries especially in Egypt in whirh the syndrome is quite common and stands as a major threat to infant health, growth, and development. (Gabr, et al., 1984).
The causal interaction between nutrition, infection, and immunity is well established. (Purl and Chandra, 1985).
Nutrition, through its modulation of specific and non specific immune response appears to be a critical determinent of susceptibility to infection which is the most frequent cause of death in malnourished children. (Purl and Chandra, 1985).
The frequency and severity of infections in PEM suggests defects in the protective mechanism of immune response. This is supported by the clinical finding of an anergic response to infection. (Coovadla and Loaning, 1984).
Malnutrition is the most common cause of secondary immune deteciency. Impaired immunological and non immunological defense mechanisms have been documented among undernourished children. (Purl and Chandra, 1985).
The aim of this thesis is to reveal some immunological defects in patients suffering from PEM as ci method to prove the role of impaired immunity in increasing the susceptibility to infection in these patients.