Question

Why do many individuals with PEM succumb to "secondary infections"?

• A. Because the food they eat is contaminated.
• B. Because malnutrition adversely affects both cell-mediated and humoral immunity.
• C. Because they lack access to modern medicine.
• D. Because protein deficiency only affects the skin.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Because malnutrition adversely affects both cell-mediated and humoral immunity.

• Both Marasmus and Kwashiorkor devastate the immune system, weakening both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. This makes the individual highly susceptible to infections, which are often the actual cause of death.