Undernutrition, infection and immune function

Abstract

Undernutrition and infection are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. These two problems are interrelated. Undernutrition compromises barrier function, allowing easier access by pathogens, and compromises immune function, decreasing the ability of the host to eliminate pathogens once they enter the body. Thus, malnutrition predisposes to infections. Infections can alter nutritional status mediated by changes in dietary intake, absorption and nutrient requirements and losses of endogenous nutrients.

Nutritional Status and Infectious Disease of Undernourished Children under five in Desa Cipacing, Jatinangor Subdistrict, West Java, from April to December 2012

“…3,6 Infectious diseases also increase basal metabolic rate by increasing the body temperature therefore increasing the nutrient needs for metabolism. 3 According to data from West Java's Health Profile, the incidence of undernutrition and severe undernutrition in Kabupaten Sumedang (13.49%) exceeded the incidence of West Java (12.28%). 7 Based on data in Jatinangor 2011, Desa Cipacing, Sumedang has the greatest incidence of undernutrition and severe undernutrition.…”

“…5,6 Undernutrition is a predisposing factor to infection because it can lower the body's ability to invade the pathogen. 3 Furthermore, infectious diseases can also cause undernutrition and make a cycle. 2 Undernutrition-infectious disease cycle occurs when undernutrition increases the susceptibility to infectious diseases that can result in decreased food intake.…”

“…2 Undernutrition-infectious disease cycle occurs when undernutrition increases the susceptibility to infectious diseases that can result in decreased food intake. 3,6 Infectious diseases mediate the undernutrition by reducing food intake, decreasing absorption of nutrient, increasing nutritional needs and also relieving endogen nutrients. 3,6 Infectious diseases also increase basal metabolic rate by increasing the body temperature therefore increasing the nutrient needs for metabolism.…”

“…3,6 Infectious diseases mediate the undernutrition by reducing food intake, decreasing absorption of nutrient, increasing nutritional needs and also relieving endogen nutrients. 3,6 Infectious diseases also increase basal metabolic rate by increasing the body temperature therefore increasing the nutrient needs for metabolism. 3 According to data from West Java's Health Profile, the incidence of undernutrition and severe undernutrition in Kabupaten Sumedang (13.49%) exceeded the incidence of West Java (12.28%).…”

“…2,3 Based on a study, undernutrition may cause infectious disease because children have a low immune system so they are vulnerable to the disease. 4 Infectious diseases which frequently arise are diarrhea, helminthes infections, bronchopneumonia, and many more.…”