Infectious Diarrhea in Early Childhood across the Global South: Etiologic Diversity and Pathogenic Mechanisms

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Diarrhea is a leading cause of mortality in children under five, particularly in LMICs.
• Poor hygiene, sanitation, and water access exacerbate diarrhea incidence.
• Enteropathogens like bacteria, viruses, and protozoa cause diarrhea, with limited vaccine options and rising antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathogenesis mechanisms of enteropathogens causing diarrhea in the Global South.
• To identify targets for novel therapeutics and vaccines.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of distinct and overlapping enteropathogen pathogenesis.
• Analysis of mechanisms relevant to LMIC contexts.

Main Results:

• Enteropathogens utilize diverse mechanisms to cause diarrhea.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for intervention development.

Conclusions:

• There is a need for effective vaccines and therapeutics against common enteropathogens.
• Exploiting pathogen-specific mechanisms can lead to new treatment and prevention strategies.