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Undernourished children have a higher likelihood for diarrhea and pneumonia but immunization can improve infant growth

Multiple studies show that

  1. Diarrhea and pneumonia impair children’s growth and that underlying malnutrition is a major risk factor for these conditions.
  2. “Episodes of diarrhea may predispose to pneumonia in undernourished children” and
  3. Immunization against influenza (in mothers) and Streptococcus pneumoniae may improve infant growth. In addition, new studies from Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, and Israel further support the paradigm that malnutrition is a key risk factor for diarrhea and pneumonia.

Full Citation:
Schlaudecker, E.P., Steinhoff, M.C. and Moore, S.R.. 2011. Interactions of diarrhea, pneumonia, and malnutrition in childhood: recent evidence from developing countries. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 24(5).

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

Author(s): Schlaudecker, E.P., Steinhoff, M.C. and Moore, S.R.

Publication Year: 2011

Publication Name: Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases

Publication Volume: 24(5)

Publication Source URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21734569/

DOI (Digital Object Identifier): 10.1097/QCO.0b013e328349287d

Topics: Health

Disease Vaccines: Diarrhea | Influenza | Pneumococcal disease/PCV/PPSV | Pneumonia

Countries: Bangladesh | Botswana | Brazil | Colombia | Gambia | Ghana | Guatemala | Israel | Nepal | South Africa | Sudan | Tanzania - United Republic Of | Yemen

WHO Regions: Africa | Americas | Eastern Mediterranean | South-East Asia