Schistosomiasis and stunting: microbial and metabolic mechanisms in early childhood

Stunting (low height-for-age > 2 s.d. below the WHO child growth standards median) is a key indicator of chronic malnutrition and is influenced by poor nutrition, infections, chronic inflammation and impaired gut health. In sub-Saharan Africa, stunting frequently occurs in regions where schistosomiasis is endemic. Our previous research in Zimbabwean preschool children (≤ 5 years) found that Schistosoma haematobium infection alone could account for up to one-third of stunting cases. Using epidemiological, gut microbiome and metabolomic analyses, we investigated how this parasitic infection contributes to poor growth. Infected children showed significantly altered gut microbiome profiles compared to uninfected peers, indicating potential microbiome disruption linked to disease and impaired development. Metabolomic profiling revealed that S. haematobium infection elevated energy- and purine-related metabolites, reflecting metabolic stress associated with malnutrition. Early treatment with praziquantel did not significantly alter the microbiome but did restore normal metabolic profiles, aligning with observed catch-up growth. Here, we synthesize findings from our studies and others to highlight opportunities for intervention and key research gaps, supporting the inclusion of praziquantel in early health programmes and integrated strategies combining treatment with nutrition. Further research, particularly longitudinal studies, is needed to confirm causality and optimize child health outcomes in endemic areas. This article is part of the theme issue 'Biological, biomedical and environmental drivers of stunting'.