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Pediatric small intestine bacterial overgrowth in low-income countries

Jeffrey R Donowitz1, William A Petri2

  • 1Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital of Richmond, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.

Trends in Molecular Medicine
|December 10, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is common in children with poor sanitation, leading to growth stunting and impaired immunity. This condition may be an under-recognized cause of illness and death in developing nations.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatric Health
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is characterized by excessive bacteria in the small bowel.
  • SIBO is linked to gastrointestinal motility disorders.
  • Emerging data indicate SIBO prevalence in children in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the impact of SIBO in children in unsanitary environments.
  • To underscore the association between SIBO and pediatric health issues.
  • To recognize SIBO as a potential contributor to morbidity and mortality in developing countries.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of SIBO in pediatric populations.
  • Analysis of SIBO's effects on micronutrient absorption and gut permeability.
  • Examination of SIBO's role in mucosal immunity and vaccine efficacy.

Main Results:

  • SIBO in children with poor sanitation impairs nutrient absorption and increases gut permeability, potentially causing growth stunting.
  • SIBO negatively affects mucosal immunity, impacting vaccine performance and celiac disease development.
  • SIBO in impoverished conditions is a significant, under-recognized pediatric health concern.

Conclusions:

  • SIBO is a critical factor in pediatric health outcomes in developing regions.
  • Addressing SIBO in vulnerable populations is essential for improving child health.
  • Further research is needed to understand and mitigate SIBO's impact on child morbidity and mortality.

Keywords:
celiac diseasecommensal bacteriaenvironmental enteropathymalnutritionoral vaccine failuresmall intestine bacterial overgrowth

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