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Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
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Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
Infection01:20

Infection

When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
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Overview of Protein Metabolism

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Undernutrition, infection and immune function.

P C Calder1, A A Jackson

  • 1Institute of Human Nutrition, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton SO16 7PX, UK. pcc@sotone.ac.uk

Nutrition Research Reviews
|December 18, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Undernutrition and infection significantly impact global health, particularly in children. Supplementing key nutrients like vitamin A, iron, and zinc can improve immune function and reduce disease severity in malnourished populations.

Related Experiment Videos

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Nutrition Science
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Undernutrition and infection are leading causes of illness and death globally, especially in developing countries.
  • These conditions are interconnected, with malnutrition weakening the immune system and infections exacerbating nutritional deficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between undernutrition and infection.
  • To identify key nutrients vital for immune response and their potential role in mitigating infectious diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on the interplay between nutrition and infection.
  • Analysis of studies on nutrient supplementation (Vitamin A, Iron, Zinc, Copper) in undernourished children.

Main Results:

  • Malnutrition impairs immune defenses, increasing susceptibility to infections.
  • Infections negatively affect nutritional status through altered intake, absorption, and increased nutrient needs.
  • Supplementation with Vitamin A, Iron, and Zinc shows promise in enhancing immune function and reducing morbidity/mortality from specific infections in undernourished children.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing both undernutrition and infection is crucial for global health.
  • Nutrient supplementation, alongside improved hygiene, sanitation, and education, can combat infectious diseases.
  • Further research is needed, especially regarding iron supplementation and the impact of multiple nutrient deficiencies.