Nutritional Status Link with Polioseronegativity Among Children from Poliomyelitis Transmission High-Risk Area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Overview

Journal J Multidiscip Healthc

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Health Services

Date 2024 Mar 25

PMID 38524863

Authors

Guillaume N Mwamba

Michel Kabamba Nzaji

Nicole A Hoff

Patrick K Mukadi

Kamy Kaminye Musene

Sue K Gerber

Megan Halbrook

Cyrus Sinai

Trevon Fuller

Oscar Luboya Numbi

Emile Okitolonda Wemakoy

Jean Jacques Muyembe Tamfum

Dalau Nkamba Mukadi

Mala Ali Mapatano

Anne W Rimoin

Paul-Samson Lusamba Dikassa

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition is identified as a risk-factor for insufficient polioseroconversion in the context of a vaccine-derived polio virus (VDPV) outbreak prone region. To assess the prevalence of malnutrition and its link to poliovirus insufficient immunity, a cross-sectional household survey was conducted in the regions of Haut- Lomami and Tanganyika, DRC.

Methods: In March 2018, we included 968 healthy children aged 6 to 59 months from eight out of 27 districts. Selection of study locations within these districts was done using a stratified random sampling method, where villages were chosen based on habitat characteristics identified from satellite images. Consent was obtained verbally in the preferred language of the participant (French or Swahili) by interviewers who received specific training for this task. Furthermore, participants contributed a dried blood spot sample, collected via finger prick. To assess malnutrition, we measured height and weight, applying WHO criteria to determine rates of underweight, wasting, and stunting. The assessment of immunity to poliovirus types 1, 2, and 3 through the detection of neutralizing antibodies was carried out at the CDC in Atlanta, USA.

Results: Of the study population, we found 24.7% underweight, 54.8% stunted, and 15.4% wasted. With IC95%, underweight (OR=1.50; [1.11-2.03]), and the non-administration of vitamin A (OR=1.96; [1.52-2.54]) were significantly associated with seronegativity to polioserotype 1. Underweight (OR=1.64; [1.20-2.24]) and the non-administration of vitamin A (OR=1.55; [1.20-2.01]) were significantly associated with seronegativity to polioserotype 2. Underweight (OR=1.50; [1.11-2.03]), and the non-administration of vitamin A (OR=1.80. [1.38-2.35]) were significantly associated with seronegativity to polioserotype 3. Underweight (OR=1.68; IC95% [1.10-2.57]) and the non-administration of vitamin A (OR=1.82; IC95% [1.30-2.55]) were significantly associated with seronegativity to all polioserotypes.

Conclusion: This study reveals a significant association between underweight and polioseronegativity in children. In order to reduce vaccine failures in high-risk areas, an integrated approach by vaccination and nutrition programs should be adopted.

Citing Articles

A New Conceptual Framework for Enhancing Vaccine Efficacy in Malnourished Children.

Mwamba G, Nzaji M, Numbi O, Mapatano M, Lusamba Dikassa P J Multidiscip Healthc. 2025; 17:6161-6175.

PMID: 39749211 PMC: 11694020. DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S504464.

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