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[Acute infectious diarrhea in children]
A Guarino1, F Albano, R Berni Canani
1Dipartimento di Pediatria, Università degli Studi Federico II, Napoli.
Annali Dell'Istituto Superiore Di Sanita
|May 11, 1999
Summary
Infantile acute gastroenteritis remains a significant global health issue. Advances in understanding its mechanisms and host-pathogen interactions are improving diagnosis and reducing antibiotic use.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Context:
- Infantile acute gastroenteritis presents a substantial burden, causing high mortality in developing nations and significant healthcare costs in industrialized countries.
- Pathophysiological insights have differentiated diarrhea into secretory and osmotic pathways.
- Host-pathogen interactions involve complex microbial strategies to evade host defenses, including the gut-associated lymphoreticular tissue (GALT).
Purpose:
- To review the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and natural history of infantile acute gastroenteritis.
- To highlight advancements in diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies.
- To address challenges posed by the HIV pandemic in managing intestinal infections.
Summary:
- Understanding the distinct secretory and osmotic diarrhea mechanisms and sophisticated host-microorganism interactions is crucial.
- Epidemiological data and natural history inform rational diagnostics, reducing medical costs.
- Novel therapies, including probiotics and passive immunotherapy, are decreasing reliance on antibiotics.
Impact:
- Improved diagnostic strategies lead to significant reductions in healthcare expenditures.
- Novel therapeutic approaches, such as probiotics and passive immunotherapy, offer alternatives to widespread antibiotic use.
- The HIV pandemic necessitates rapid development of effective responses to intestinal infections.