Parasites and childhood stunting - a mechanistic interplay with nutrition, anaemia, gut health, microbiota, and epigenetics

Globally, stunting affects approximately 149.2 million children under 5 years of age. The underlying aetiology and pathophysiological mechanisms leading to stunting remain elusive, and therefore few effective treatment and prevention strategies exist. Crucial evidence directly linking parasites to stunting is often lacking - in part due to the complex nature of stunting, as well as a lack of critical multidisciplinary research amongst key age groups. Here, based on available studies, we present potential mechanistic pathways by which parasitic infection of mother and/or infant may lead to childhood stunting. We highlight the need for future multidisciplinary longitudinal studies and clinical trials aimed at elucidat-ing the most influential factors, and synergies therein, that can lead to stunting, and ultimately towards finding solutions to successfully mitigate against it.

Automated summary

Globally, approximately 149.2 million children under the age of 5 are affected by stunting, but the underlying causes and mechanisms are still unclear, leading to limited treatment and prevention strategies. The direct link between parasites and stunting is often lacking due to the complex nature of stunting and a lack of interdisciplinary research. Based on existing studies, this paper presents potential pathways by which parasitic infection in mothers and/or infants may lead to childhood stunting. The need for future multidisciplinary longitudinal studies and clinical trials to identify influential factors and develop effective solutions is highlighted.