The Costly Vicious Cycle of Infections and Malnutrition
Pranay Sinha, Richard L. Guerrant
Abstract
Malnutrition, which continues to affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, is both a cause and consequence of a range of infectious diseases. In this perspective piece, we provide an overview of the bidirectional relationship between malnutrition and infectious diseases. In addition to enteric infections, we use tuberculosis as a case study of this relationship between malnutrition and infectious diseases, and to demonstrate the potential of nutritional interventions to mitigate mortality and morbidity from infectious diseases. We conclude with suggestions on advancing our understanding of the vicious cycle of microbes and malnutrition and finding ways to break it.
Topics & Concepts
MalnutritionTuberculosisVirtuous circle and vicious circleMedicineIntensive care medicinePsychological interventionInfectious disease (medical specialty)Environmental healthDiseasePathologyPsychiatryEconomicsMacroeconomicsChild Nutrition and Water AccessClimate Change and Health ImpactsParasites and Host Interactions