Current Understanding of and Pathogenesis of Stunting and Cognitive Deficits in Children from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Purpose Of Review: is a common intestinal parasite worldwide, mainly in children from low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Also, it has been associated with increased intestinal permeability, stunting, and cognitive impairment. Nonetheless, the pathogenesis of long-term consequences is difficult to elucidate.

Recent Findings: Recent studies try to understand the long-term consequences of infections. First, well-characterized studies associate with intestinal damage and child growth. Second, infections appear not to be associated with inflammation, but "lack of inflammation" may not, however, entirely exclude a pro-inflammatory pathway. Finally, some important amino acids are lower and could contribute to prolongate stunting and cognitive deficit.

Summary: infections in LMIC used to be associated with child growth shortfalls, gut permeability, and cognitive deficits. Multifactorial effects could be associated with , including nutritional, altered microbiota, and generation of potentially toxic microbial metabolic byproducts, all together increasing risk of long-term outcomes.