Protein-energy malnutrition contributes to secondary immunodeficiency.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not related
• D. Not specified

Answer: (A)

Protein-energy malnutrition undermines immune defenses by depriving the body of the nutrients needed to produce and power immune cells and molecules. This leads to reduced lymphocyte numbers and impaired T-cell function, thymic atrophy, diminished phagocyte activity, lower levels of complement and immunoglobulins, and weakened mucosal barriers. The result is a higher susceptibility to infections, which is the essence of a secondary immunodeficiency caused by an external factor—malnutrition. Therefore, the statement is true: PEM contributes to secondary immunodeficiency.