Dénutrition et infections : quels mécanismes ?

Malnutrition, a major public health issue that characterized by an altered energetic and nutritional balance, is associated with an increase of infectious complications and mortality risk. Indeed, an increase of infectious risk has been reported in malnourished subjects in many studies. Various mechanisms are involved in the increased risk of infections and encompass an altered immune response and disrupted barrier function particularly gut barrier function. In this brief review, we focus on thymic and spleen response in malnourished conditions, as well as on the role of energetic fuels, i.e. amino acids, glucose. The contribution of vitamins and trace-elements is also discussed, as well as the role of gut barrier function.