Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 10, 2011

Infections in children with severe protein-energy malnutrition

F E Berkowitz

    Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
    |June 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    This study investigated infections in 68 Black children with severe malnutrition. Nosocomial infections, particularly bacteremia, posed a significant threat, contributing to mortality in these vulnerable children.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Nutritional Science

    Background:

    • Severe malnutrition, including kwashiorkor and marasmus, is associated with increased susceptibility to infections.
    • Understanding the spectrum and origins of infections in malnourished children is crucial for effective clinical management.
    • Hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections represent a significant concern in pediatric healthcare settings.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To prospectively investigate the types and incidence of infections in hospitalized Black children with severe malnutrition.
    • To identify common causative pathogens, including those responsible for bloodstream and urinary tract infections.
    • To assess the contribution of nosocomial infections to morbidity and mortality in this population.

    Main Methods:

    • Prospective study of 68 Black children admitted with kwashiorkor, marasmus, or marasmic-kwashiorkor.
    • Bacteremia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), gastro-enteritis, pneumonia, and skin infections were investigated.
    • Causative organisms were identified using appropriate microbiological techniques, including suprapubic urine specimens.

    Main Results:

    • Fifteen episodes of bacteremia (19%) occurred in 13 children, with six being nosocomial. Gram-negative enteric bacilli were the most common pathogens.
    • Urinary tract infections (31%) were diagnosed in five of 16 cases, exclusively caused by Escherichia coli.
    • Fifteen episodes of nosocomial infections (20.6%) occurred in 14 children, contributing to four deaths. Bacteremia was associated with eight of the 14 total deaths.

    Conclusions:

    • Infections in severely malnourished children are often caused by the same microorganisms found in well-nourished children within the same community.
    • Nosocomial infections represent a major threat to hospitalized children with severe malnutrition, significantly increasing their risk of mortality.
    • Prompt identification and management of infections, particularly hospital-acquired ones, are essential for improving outcomes in malnourished pediatric patients.

    More Related Videos

    Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children10:57

    Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children

    Published on: August 22, 2012

    Epithelial Cell Infection Analyses with Shigella04:56

    Epithelial Cell Infection Analyses with Shigella

    Published on: February 9, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    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...
    Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

    Pneumonia I: Introduction

    Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
    Risk Factors
    Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
    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...
    Reservoir of Infection01:30

    Reservoir of Infection

    Infectious diseases arise from intricate interactions between pathogens and their reservoirs. A reservoir of infection refers to the natural habitat where a pathogen lives, grows, and multiplies, serving as a continual source of infection. Reservoirs are broadly classified as either living or nonliving, and each plays a unique role in disease transmission, significantly influencing public health interventions and control strategies.Humans act as reservoirs for a wide array of pathogens,...
    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

    Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

    Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
    Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

    Pneumonia I: Introduction

    Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...