Persistent cell mediated immune-deficiency following infantile stress during the first 6 months of life.

The cell mediated immunity as expressed by 2,4 DNCB skin sensitivity was measured in 50 healthy Iranian orphans of the age from 15 years. Complete records of the development of these children from birth were available. Children with severe gastroenteritis leading to marasmus and temporary thymic atrophy during the first 6 months of life showed a persistent atopy 1-5 years later. Less severe disease during this time lead to hyporesponsiveness. Similar stress after the 6th month of life did not lead to persistent changes in their cell mediated immunity. The implications of this for the epidemiology of neoplasia and infectious disease are discussed.