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Interactions of diarrhea, pneumonia, and malnutrition in childhood: recent evidence from developing countries

Elizabeth P Schlaudecker1, Mark C Steinhoff, Sean R Moore

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.

Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|July 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Undernutrition, diarrhea, and pneumonia form a harmful cycle in children in low-income countries. New research clarifies these interactions and suggests interventions like breastfeeding and vaccines to improve child health.

Area of Science:

  • Child Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Diarrhea and pneumonia negatively impact child growth.
  • Malnutrition is a significant risk factor for these infections.
  • These conditions create a detrimental cycle in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the interplay between diarrhea, pneumonia, and undernutrition.
  • To highlight progress in low- and middle-income countries.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies.
  • Synthesis of findings on risk factors, prevention, and genetic influences.

Main Results:

  • Diarrhea and pneumonia impair growth; malnutrition exacerbates these conditions.
  • Breastfeeding and micronutrients aid prevention and control.
  • Vaccine efficacy and genetic predispositions are explored.
  • Influenza and pneumococcal immunizations show growth benefits.

Conclusions:

  • Significant progress has been made in understanding the malnutrition-diarrhea-pneumonia cycle.
  • Translating research into accessible public health interventions remains a key challenge.
Abstract

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