Hypothesis: the importance of folacin in influencing susceptibility to malarial infection in infants

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Abstract
It is proposed that folacin deficiency enhances the maternal immunosuppression that occurs in both pregnancy and malarial infection, diminishing passive immunity acquired by the fetus. The ontogenetic development of the fetal immune system will be deranged if folacin requirements in utero are not satisfied and consequently the neonate and small infant will be more susceptible to malaria as well as other infections. Diminished concentration of folacin in breast milk will contribute to this susceptibility.