Association of Fecal Markers of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction with Zinc and Iron Status among Children at First Two Years of Life in Bangladesh

Influence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi Infection on Child Growth: A Secondary Analysis of the MAL-ED Birth Cohort Study

Malnutrition in the early days of life is a global public health concern that affects children's growth. It results from a variety of factors, including pathogenic infections. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a microsporidian parasite that can cause diarrhea and malnutrition in children. The study aimed to assess the impact of E. bieneusi on child growth. The MAL-ED study, a multicountry birth cohort research project, investigated the relationship between enteric infections and malnutrition in participating children from eight countries. A customized real-time polymerase chain reaction-based TaqMan array card was used in this study to identify enteropathogens from stool samples, where E. bieneusi was one of the target pathogens. The impacts of E. bieneusi infection on growth measures were assessed. Mixed-effect linear models were used to investigate the relationship between E. bieneusi and growth outcomes, including length-for-age (LAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-length (WLZ) Z scores. At the endpoint (last month of measurement), the infected group had significantly lower scores than the noninfected group for all outcomes. The adjusted difference-in-difference (D-in-D) values were -0.53 (95% CI: -0.67 to -0.38) for LAZ, -0.38 (95% CI: -0.52 to -0.23) for WAZ, and -0.22 (95% CI: -0.38 to -0.06) for WLZ. Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection has been identified as a factor associated with reduced linear growth, weight gain, and weight gain relative to linear growth in children, underscoring the importance of treating this infection.

Beyond WASH: Testing Additional Connections Between Household Water Insecurity and Child Nutrition Outcomes in Multi-Country Contexts

This study identifies multiple pathways connecting household water insecurity with child nutrition. Using nationally representative samples for 18 countries, we examine the mediating role of child's dietary diversity as a function of household water status, while also accounting for sanitation. We construct a latent household water insecurity score (HWI) and use Structural Equation approach to model underlying pathways. HWI affected child's HAZ score and hemoglobin both directly and indirectly, with a mediation from child feeding alongside effects from sanitation. Broadening the conception of household water insecurity and accommodating the indirect effects of water could improve explanations of child under-nutrition.

Environmental enteropathy and its association with water sanitation and hygiene in slum areas of Jimma Town Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Environmental Enteropathy is an inflammatory condition of the gut that leads to intestinal barrier dysfunction. It is a common problem in resource-limited countries and results from exposure to larger quantities of fecal bacteria to poor personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. Due to poor intestinal permeability, there is a problem with absorption of nutrients, which in turn leads to growth faltering, poor cognitive development, and oral-vaccine failure. The aim of this study was to identify the children with an elevated lactulose to mannitol ratio (indicative of possible environmental enteropathy) and its association with water sanitation and hygiene in slum areas of Jimma Town so as to mitigate the problem of malnutrition in under-five children.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from January to April 2021. A Lactulose mannitol test was performed to determine the prevalence of elevated lactulose to mannitol ratio (possibly environmental enteropathy) in children aged 12 to 59 months. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) indicators and sociodemographic characteristics. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to isolate independent predictors for possible environmental enteropathy. All tests were two-sided and statistical significance was declared at P<0.05.

RESULTS

The results of this study showed that 19.3% (95%CI: 14.8-23.7) of children had an increased lactulose to mannitol ratio (>0.15). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the variables drinking water from unimproved water sources (AOR 3.741; 95%CI: 0.914-15.310,p = 0.048), unsafe coverage of water storage (AOR 0.363; 95%CI: 0.169-0.777, P = 0.009), public latrine utilization (AOR 0.139 95%CI: 0.024-0.816, P = 0.029),and hand washing less than 3 critical time of hand washing practices (AOR 4.369;95%CI: 1.411-13.524,P = 0.011) were significantly associated with an increased in lactulose mannitol ratio (possible indicative of intestinal permeability/environmental enteropathy).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that one fifth of under-five children in Jimma Town had an elevated lactulose to mannitol ratio (possibly environmental enteropathy). The WASH sectors and other governmental organizations should give emphasis to areas with poor water sanitation and hygiene to mitigate the problem of environmental enteropathy and related consequences like growth faltering, poor cognitive development, and oral-vaccine failure in the study area.

Environmental Enteropathy and Anaemia Status Among Under-Five Children, in Slum Areas of Jimma Town, Ethiopia

Background

The most important anemia next to iron deficiency is anemia of inflammation. Micronutrient deficits, such as those in zinc and iron, can be caused by intestinal permeability and gut inflammation brought on by environmental enteric dysfunction. This study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence and association of anemia with Environmental Enteropathy.

Methods

Data on water sanitation and hygiene indicators and sociodemographic characteristics were collected using structured questionnaire. The lactulose to mannitol ratio (L:M) was calculated from the concentration of both sugars in the urine. Level of Hemoglobin was detected by using Hemocue-301 digital photometer. Blood and urine sample was collected from three hundred children aged 12-59 months to determine the status of Anaemia and Environmental Enteropathy respectively.

Results

Data were analyzed by using Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and logistic regression model to indicate prevalence and association of anemia with environmental Enteropathy in children less than five years old. The prevalence of anemia in children with environmental enteropathy was 63.8% (95% CI: 57.6, 71.7), and there was a significant association (p = 0.0001, AOR 3.502, 95% CI: 1.929-6.371) between anemia and environmental enteropathy. In a multivariate analysis, children aged 1-3 years with caretakers who had no or only primary education and with monthly income of less than 3000 ETB were more likely to develop anemia.

Conclusion

The result of this study indicated that two-thirds of children less than five with environmental enteropathy had developed anemia, and there is a significant association between environmental enteropathy and anemia. Even though there are other causes of anemia, based on the findings of this study, more research is needed to identify factors associated with environmental enteropathy to mitigate anemia due to intestinal permeability or malabsorption and its impact in children under the age of five.

Effects of Different Doses, Forms, and Frequencies of Zinc Supplementation on Biomarkers of Iron and Zinc Status among Young Children in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Young children in resource-constrained settings are susceptible to zinc deficiency and its deleterious health effects. The objective of this secondary analysis was to evaluate the effects of the following six interventions on biomarkers of iron and zinc status among a subgroup of young children in Dhaka, Bangladesh, who participated in the Zinc in Powders Trial (ZiPT): (1) standard micronutrient powders (MNPs) containing 4.1 mg zinc and 10 mg iron, daily; (2) high-zinc (10 mg) and low-iron (6 mg) (HiZn LoFe) MNP, daily; (3) HiZn (10 mg) and LoFe (6 mg)/HiZn (10 mg) and no-iron MNPs on alternating days; (4) dispersible zinc tablet (10 mg), daily; (5) dispersible zinc tablet (10 mg), daily for 2 weeks at enrollment and at 12 weeks; (6) placebo powder, daily. At the end of the 24 week intervention period, children in the daily dispersible zinc tablet group exhibited a mean serum zinc concentration (SZC) of 92.5 μg/dL, which was significantly higher than all other groups except the HiZn LoFe MNP alternating group (81.3 μg/dL). MNPs containing 10 mg and 6 mg of iron had a similar impact on biomarkers of iron status, with no evidence of an adverse interaction with zinc.

Association between Circulating Retinol Binding Protein 4, Body Mass Index, and Biomarkers of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction among Slum-Dwelling Lean Adults in Bangladesh

The relationship of retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) with biomarkers of intestinal health and gut integrity in adults is unknown. We sought to determine the correlation between plasma RBP4 level and BMI and investigate the relationship of circulating RBP4 concentration with biomarkers of environmental enteric dysfunction among lean adults (body mass index [BMI] < 25.0 kg/m2) in Bangladesh. Overall, 270 adults (135 undernourished with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 and 135 healthy controls with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2) aged 18 to 45 years were evaluated. Multivariable linear regression was performed to test the association between RBP4 and fecal biomarkers of impaired gut health. RBP4 concentration was positively correlated (rho = 0.27, P < 0.001) with BMI and was significantly higher in healthy controls than undernourished adults (P < 0.001), in male than female (P < 0.001), and also in employed (P < 0.001), smokers (P = 0.048) and participants with low Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ)-20 scores (an instrument to screen mental health disorders) (P = 0.049). Statistically significant negative correlations were observed between RBP4 and fecal biomarkers of gut enteropathy including myeloperoxidase (rho = -0.23, P < 0.001), neopterin (rho = -0.30, P < 0.001), and alpha-1 anti-trypsin (rho = -0.21, P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that increased RBP4 concentration was associated with a significant reduction in fecal neopterin (coefficient = -0.95; 95% confidence interval: -1.44 to -0.45]; P < 0.001) after adjustment for age, sex, nutritional status at enrollment, education, dietary diversity score, SRQ-20 score, improved sanitation, household animal exposure, and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. The study findings revealed an inverse relationship of plasma RBP4 concentration with fecal biomarkers of altered gut health among slum-dwelling lean adults in Bangladesh.

Association of Secretor Status with Enteropathy and Growth among Children in Bangladesh Aged 1-24 Months

Secretor status refers to the ability of an individual to secrete blood group antigens into body fluids and onto the different epithelial surfaces. Concurrent findings have demonstrated an association of the secretor status of children with susceptibility to a plethora of enteropathogens. We aimed to determine a possible association of secretor status of children with childhood enteropathy, an important causal factor for childhood growth failure. Participants of the Malnutrition and Enteric Disease (MAL-ED) birth cohort study from the Bangladesh site were enrolled along with their mothers. Saliva was analyzed for determining blood groups and secretor status of the children and their mothers by using an in-house ELISA. Approximately 59% of children and 65% of mothers were found to be secretor positive. Secretor-positive children were found to have a significantly positive association with alpha-1-antitrypsin (β-coefficient: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.21, P < 0.01) and with environmental enteric dysfunction score (β-coefficient: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.29, 0.65, P = 0.05). However, despite a negative effect size, secretor-positive children did not show any statistical significance with length-for-age and weight-for-age z scores (LAZ and WAZ), respectively. Our findings indicate toward the genetic factor of secretor status of children being associated with childhood growth faltering, through increased susceptibility to distinct enteropathogens and the consequent development of enteric inflammation and enteropathy among children. However, these findings are only applicable in Bangladeshi settings and thus need to be validated in several other similar settings, to establish a possible relationship between the secretor status of children with enteropathy and resulting childhood growth failure.

Gut biomolecules (I-FABP, TFF3 and lipocalin-2) are associated with linear growth and biomarkers of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) in Bangladeshi children

In the current world, a major challenge to diagnose environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is the lack of validated non-invasive biomarkers. Intestine derived molecules, including intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), trefoil factor-3 (TFF3), lactoferrin, lipocalin-2 (LCN2), and mucin-2, have been reported as indicators of intestinal inflammation and gut health. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the levels of these bio-molecules as biomarkers of EED among under-2 children in Bangladesh. A total of 140 children were recruited in a case-control design. All the biomarkers were measured by ELISA. Spearman's rank correlation was performed to see the correlation between the biomarkers and the EED score. Moreover, multivariable linear regression was performed to investigate the association of biomarkers with length-for-age z-score (LAZ). TFF3 correlates positively with myeloperoxidase (r = 0.26, p < 0.05) and EED score (r = 0.17, p < 0.05). Likewise, LCN2 correlates positively with myeloperoxidase (r = 0.37, p < 0.05), neopterin (r = 0.33, p < 0.05) and EED score (r = 0.31, p < 0.05). Moreover, multivariable linear regression revealed a negative association of I-FABP with LAZ of the study participants. Our results imply that TFF3 and LCN2 might be promising biomarkers to diagnose intestinal inflammation and EED, while I-FABP is negatively associated with linear growth of Bangladeshi children.

Putative Biomarkers of Environmental Enteric Disease Fail to Correlate in a Cross-Sectional Study in Two Study Sites in Sub-Saharan Africa

Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is an elusive, inflammatory syndrome of the small intestine thought to be associated with enterocyte loss and gut leakiness and lead to stunted child growth. To date, the gold standard for diagnosis is small intestine biopsy followed by histology. Several putative biomarkers for EED have been proposed and are widely used in the field. Here, we assessed in a cross-sectional study of children aged 2–5 years for a large set of biomarkers including markers of protein exudation (duodenal and fecal alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT)), inflammation (duodenal and fecal calprotectin, duodenal, fecal and blood immunoglobulins, blood cytokines, C-reactive protein (CRP)), gut permeability (endocab, lactulose-mannitol ratio), enterocyte mass (citrulline) and general nutritional status (branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), insulin-like growth factor) in a group of 804 children in two Sub-Saharan countries. We correlated these markers with each other and with anemia in stunted and non-stunted children. AAT and calprotectin, CRP and citrulline and citrulline and BCAA correlated with each other. Furthermore, BCAA, citrulline, ferritin, fecal calprotectin and CRP levels were correlated with hemoglobin levels. Our results show that while several of the biomarkers are associated with anemia, there is little correlation between the different biomarkers. Better biomarkers and a better definition of EED are thus urgently needed.

Associations of bacterial enteropathogens with systemic inflammation, iron deficiency, and anemia in preschool-age children in southern Ghana

Anemia remains a pervasive public health problem among preschool-age children in Ghana. Recent analyses have found that anemia in Ghanaian children, particularly in Southern regions, is largely attributable to infectious causes, rather than nutritional factors. Infections with enteropathogens can reduce iron absorption and increase systemic inflammation, but few studies have examined direct links between enteropathogens and anemia. This study investigated associations between detection of individual bacterial enteropathogens and systemic inflammation, iron deficiency, and anemia among 6- to 59-month-old children in Greater Accra, Ghana. Serum samples were analyzed from a cross-sectional sample of 262 children for concentrations of hemoglobin (Hb), biomarkers of systemic inflammation [C-reactive protein (CRP) and α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)], and biomarkers of iron status [serum ferritin (SF) and serum transferrin receptor (sTfR)]. Stool samples were analyzed for ten bacterial enteropathogens using qPCR. We estimated associations between presence of each enteropathogen and elevated systemic inflammation (CRP > 5 mg/L and AGP > 1 g/L), iron deficiency (SF < 12 μg/L and sTfR > 8.3 mg/L) and anemia (Hb < 110 g/L). Enteropathogens were detected in 87% of children’s stool despite a low prevalence of diarrhea (6.5%). Almost half (46%) of children had anemia while one-quarter (24%) had iron deficiency (low SF). Despite finding no associations with illness symptoms, Campylobacter jejuni/coli detection was strongly associated with elevated CRP [Odds Ratio (95% CI): 3.49 (1.45, 8.41)] and elevated AGP [4.27 (1.85, 9.84)]. Of the pathogens examined, only enteroinvasive Escherichia coli/Shigella spp. (EIEC/Shigella) was associated with iron deficiency, and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) [1.69 (1.01, 2.84)] and EIEC/Shigella [2.34 (1.15, 4.76)] were associated with anemia. These results suggest that certain enteroinvasive pathogenic bacteria may contribute to child anemia. Reducing exposure to enteropathogens through improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices may help reduce the burden of anemia in young Ghanaian children.

Food Safety Practices and Stunting among School-Age Children—An Observational Study Finding from an Urban Slum of Bangladesh

Background: Food safety incorporates the handling, preparation, and storage of food materials in ways that prevent foodborne illness. We aimed to investigate the typical food safety practices in a Bangladeshi slum context and to explore if stunting among school-age children was associated with various components of food safety. Method: We analysed the MAL-ED birth cohort data from the Bangladesh site. A total of 265 healthy children were enrolled in the study; we could follow up and collect food safety-related data from 187 participants. Results: The average age of the children was 6.5 years (standard deviation or SD 0.04) and 49% of them were female. About 26% of the children were stunted. In our bivariate analysis, caregivers’ handwashing practice after using the toilet, treatment of drinking water, presence of insects/pests in the cooking area, and child’s eating ready-made/street food more than three times per day were significantly associated with stunting. After adjusting for pertinent factors, treatment of drinking water (adjusted odds ratio or AOR = 2.50, 95% confidence interval or CI: 1.03, 6.05), and child’s eating ready-made/street food more than three times/day (AOR = 2.34, 95%CI: 1.06, 5.15) remained significantly associated with stunting. Conclusions: Diverse aspects of food safety practices have a substantial association with stunting among school-age children living in an unhygienic slum environment in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Site specific incidence rate of genomic subtypes of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and association with enteric inflammation and child growth

There is a lack of information highlighting the possible association between the genomic subtypes of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) on environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) and on linear growth during childhood. Genomic subtypes of EPEC from stool samples collected from 1705 children enrolled in the MAL-ED birth cohort were detected by TaqMan Array Cards. We measured site-specific incidence rate by using Poisson regression models, identified the risk factors and estimated the association of genomic subtypes of EPEC with the composite EED score and linear growth at 24 months of age. In general, the highest incidence rate (39%) was found among children having aEPEC infection, which was the greatest in Tanzania (54%). Exclusive breastfeeding and having an improved sanitation facility were found to be protective factors against EPEC infection. In the multivariate models, in overall effect after adjusting for the potential covariates aEPEC showed strong positive associations with the EED scores and tEPEC showed a positive association with poor linear growth at 24 months of age. Our analyses may lay the cornerstone for a prospective epidemiologic investigation for a potential vaccine development aimed at reducing the burden of EPEC infections and combat childhood malnutrition.

Inadequate Vitamin C Intake and Intestinal Inflammation Are Associated with Multiple Micronutrient Deficiency in Young Children: Results from a Multi-Country Birth Cohort Study

Children living in resource-limited settings often suffer from multiple micronutrient deficiencies (MMD). However, there lacks evidence on the correlates of MMD in young children. We investigated the role of diets, water, sanitation and hygiene practice, enteric infections, and impaired gut health on MMD in children at 24 months of age using data from the multi-country MAL-ED birth cohort study. Co-existence of more than one micronutrient deficiency (e.g., anemia, iron, zinc, or retinol deficiency) was considered as MMD. We characterized intestinal inflammation by fecal concentrations of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neopterin (NEO) measured in the non-diarrheal stool samples. Bayesian network analysis was applied to investigate the factors associated with MMD. A total of 1093 children were included in this analysis. Overall, 47.6% of the children had MMD, with the highest prevalence in Pakistan (90.1%) and lowest in Brazil (6.3%). MMD was inversely associated with the female sex [OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.92]. A greater risk of MMD was associated with lower vitamin C intake [OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.94] and increased fecal concentrations of MPO [OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.51]. The study results imply the importance of effective strategies to ameliorate gut health and improve nutrient intake during the early years of life.

Risk Factors for Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis Infection and Association with Environmental Enteric Dysfunction and Linear Growth in Children: Results from the MAL-ED Study

Despite reports of enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) isolation from asymptomatic children, no reports exist regarding the possible association of ETBF with long-term complications such as development of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) and subsequent linear growth faltering in childhood. We aimed to establish a potential association between the burden of asymptomatic ETBF infection and EED and linear growth at 24 months of age using the data collected from 1,715 children enrolled in the multi-country birth cohort study, known as the Etiology, Risk Factors, and Interactions of Enteric Infections and Malnutrition and the Consequences for Child Health study. Using Poisson regression models, we evaluated the site-specific incidence rate and, subsequently, identified the risk factors and assessed the association between the burden of ETBF infection and EED score and linear growth at 24 months of age. The overall incidence rate of ETBF infections per 100 child-months across all study sites was 10.6%, with the highest and lowest incidence of ETBF infections being reported in Tanzania (19.6%) and Peru (3.6%), respectively. Female gender, longer duration of breastfeeding, and improved water access, sanitation, and hygiene practices, such as improved drinking water source, improved sanitation, and improved floor material in households, along with enhanced maternal education and less crowding in the households were found to be protective against incidences of ETBF infection. The burden of ETBF infections was found to have significant associations with EED and linear growth faltering at 24 months of age across all the study sites. Our findings warrant regular clinical monitoring to reduce the burden of ETBF infections and diminish the burden of enteropathy and linear growth faltering in childhood.

Site specific incidence rate of virulence related genes of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli and association with enteric inflammation and growth in children

There is a lack of information highlighting the possible association between strain carrying genes of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) and environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) and on linear growth during childhood. Strain carrying genes of EAEC from stool samples collected from 1705 children enrolled in the MAL-ED birth cohort were detected by TaqMan Array Cards. We measured site-specific incidence rate by using Poisson regression models, identified the risk factors and estimated the associations of strain carrying genes of EAEC with the composite EED score and linear growth at 24 months of age. Overall highest incidence rate (43.3%) was found among children having infection with the aggR gene, which was the greatest in Tanzania (56.7%). Low maternal education, lack of improved floor, and ownership of domestic cattle were found to be risk factors for EAEC infection. In the multivariate models, after adjusting the potential covariates, strain carrying genes of EAEC showed strong positive associations with the EED scores and with poor linear growth at 24 months of age. Our analyses may lay the cornerstone for a prospective epidemiologic investigation for a potential vaccine development aimed at reducing the burden of EAEC infections and combat childhood malnutrition.

Fecal Markers of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction and their Relation to Faltering Growth in a Sample of Egyptian Children

BACKGROUND: Chronic malnutrition is a long-term health condition that has threatening effects on children’s health. Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a subclinical disorder affecting the small intestine that may occur due to exposure to environmental pathogens and toxins. AIM: The present research was intended to detect the value of fecal biomarkers of intestinal epithelial damage alpha-1anti-trypsin (AAT) and intestinal inflammation Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Neopetrin (NEO), also to quantify their association with faltering growth in stunted and underweight children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case–control study included 105 children with moderate malnutrition as a case group and 100 children of normal body weight and height as a control group. Quantification of fecal markers levels of intestinal permeability AAT and intestinal inflammation (NEO and MPO) along with serum micronutrients levels (iron and zinc) in children with malnutrition in comparison to controls. RESULTS: Fecal markers of intestinal permeability AAT and intestinal inflammation NEO had statistically significant higher levels in children with malnutrition, while serum micronutrients (iron and zinc) had statistically significant lower levels in children with malnutrition. CONCLUSION: Faltering growth is associated with elevated fecal markers of intestinal permeability AAT and intestinal inflammation NEO. EED may be a cause for faltering growth.

Infection with Blastocystis spp. and its association with enteric infections and environmental enteric dysfunction among slum-dwelling malnourished adults in Bangladesh

Background

Blastocystis spp. (Blastocystis) is a widely distributed gastrointestinal protist frequently reported in countries with tropical and sub-tropical climate. We sought to determine the factors associated with Blastocystis infection and investigate its role on biomarkers of intestinal health among slum-dwelling malnourished adults in Bangladesh.

Methodology

Total 524 malnourished adults with a body mass index ≤18.5 kg/m² were included in this analysis. Presence of Blastocystis in feces was evaluated by TaqMan Array Card assays.

Principal findings

Blastocystis was tested positive in 78.6% of the participants. Prevalence of infection with atypical strains of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (aEPEC) (56% vs. 38%, p<0.001), and Trichuris trichiura (28% vs. 15%, p-value = 0.02) was significantly greater in adults with Blastocystis, while Giardia intestinalis was significantly lower (8% vs. 14%, p-value = 0.04) in Blastocystis positive adults. Malnourished adults who were living in households with high crowding index (aOR = 2.18; 95% CI = 1.11, 4.65; p-value = 0.03), and infected with aEPEC (aOR = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.35, 3.44; p-value = 0.001) and Trichuris trichiura (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI = 1.08, 3.77; p = 0.03) were more likely to be infected with Blastocystis. A significant negative relationship was observed between Blastocystis and fecal concentrations of alpha-1 antitrypsin (β = -0.1; 95% CI = -1.7, -0.1; p-value<0.001) and Reg1B (β = -3.6; 95% CI = -6.9, -3.0; p-value = 0.03).

Conclusions

The study findings suggest that the presence of Blastocystis in human intestine influences gut health and may have potential pathogenic role in presence of other pathogens.

Infection with Blastocystis, a neglected enteric pathogen, is frequently reported in tropical and sub-tropical countries. However, the epidemiology, pathogenicity and associated outcomes of Blastocystis in relation to enteric infections and Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) remain inconclusive. In this study, the authors investigated the factors associated with Blastocystis infection and examined its association with enteric infections as well as fecal biomarkers of environmental enteric dysfunction among slum-dwelling malnourished adults in Bangladesh. The study findings exhibited that nearly 80% of the participants were infected with Blastocystis demonstrating a positive association with crowded living conditions. The authors observed a positive association of Blastocystis with atypical strain of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Trichuris trichiura. The study results also corroborate that infection with Blastocystis had significant negative association with alpha-1 antitrypsin and Reg1B concentrations measured in the stool samples of the study participants. The findings of this study would help to reveal the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis and determine its role in contributing to altered gut health as well as EED in malnourished adults living in resource limited environments.

Association of lipocalin-2 and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) with biomarkers of environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) among under 2 children in Bangladesh: results from a community-based intervention study

Background

Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is thought to occur from persistent intestinal inflammation. Studies also revealed the association of lipocalin-2 (LCN2) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) with intestinal inflammation. Therefore, we intended to explore the relationship of LCN2 and LRP1 with gut inflammation and biomarkers of EED in Bangladeshi malnourished children.

Methods

A total of 222 children (length-for-age z-score (LAZ) <-1) aged 12-18 months were enrolled in this study in a cross-sectional manner. Among the participants, 115 were stunted (LAZ <-2) and 107 were at risk of being stunted (LAZ -1 to -2) children. Plasma and faecal biomarkers were measured using ELISA. Spearman's rank correlation was done to see the correlation among LCN2, LRP1 and biological biomarkers.

Results

LCN2 correlates positively with myeloperoxidase (r=0.19, p=0.005), neopterin (r=0.20, p=0.004), calprotectin (r=0.3, p=0.0001), Reg1B (r=0.20, p=0.003) and EED score (r=0.20, p=0.003). Whereas, LRP1 correlates negatively with myeloperoxidase (r = -0.18, p=0.006), neopterin (r = -0.30, p=0.0001), alpha-1-antitrypsin (r = -0.18, p=0.006), Reg1B (r=-0.2, p=0.003) and EED score (r = -0.29, p=0.0001).

Conclusions

Our findings imply that LCN2 might be a promising biomarker to predict gut inflammation and EED. Whereas, increased level of LRP1 may contribute to alleviating intestinal inflammation.

Plasma Kynurenine to Tryptophan Ratio Is Negatively Associated with Linear Growth of Children Living in a Slum of Bangladesh: Results from a Community-Based Intervention Study

Chronic exposure to infectious agents results in environmental enteric dysfunction-a significant contributor to childhood stunting. Low plasma tryptophan (TRP), increased kynurenine (KYN), and KYN-TRP (KT) ratio are associated with infections and chronic immune activation. We postulated that both these conditions are interlinked, and therefore aimed to identify the association between KT ratio and the linear growth of Bangladeshi children. A total of 480 stunted and at risk of being stunted children aged 12-18 months were enrolled and provided nutrition intervention for 90 days. Plasma samples were assessed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to measure TRP and KYN concentrations. Multivariable linear regression with generalized estimating equations was applied to analyze association between the KT ratio and linear growth. Tryptophan, KYN, and KT ratio were significantly higher in stunted children than in children at risk of being stunted both at baseline and at the end of nutrition intervention. Following intervention, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) KYN concentration was significantly reduced from 4.6 (3.6, 5.4) µmol/L to 3.9 (0.3, 7.6) µmol/L, and median (IQR) KT ratio decreased from 104 (80.9, 131) to 92.8 (6.6, 247) in stunted children. We also found KT ratio to be negatively associated (coefficient = -0.7; 95% CI = -1.13, -0.26; P-value = 0.002) with linear growth. In addition, KYN and KT ratio were positively correlated with fecal neopterin and plasma C-reactive protein, whereas TRP was negatively correlated with both of these biomarkers and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein. Our findings imply that KT ratio is associated in the pathophysiology of stunting as well as with biomarkers of inflammation in Bangladeshi children.

Evaluating association of vaccine response to low serum zinc and vitamin D levels in children of a birth cohort study in Dhaka

•

MAL-ED Bangladesh birth cohort data used in the analysis.

•

Relationship between vaccine titers and micronutrient data explored.

•

Positive association found between serum zinc level and tetanus vaccine titer.

•

The finding implicates the importance of improving zinc nutrition status of the children.

Background

Vaccine-preventable infectious diseases are often responsible for childhood morbidity and high rates of mortality. Immune response to the vaccine is associated with multiple factors in early childhood and measured by antibody titers. Among them, micronutrient deficiencies such as vitamin D and zinc deficiencies are the most important in resource-limited settings like Bangladesh.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the association of vaccine response to low serum zinc and vitamin D levels in children.

Methods

We evaluated vaccine response for measles and poliovirus, tetanus and pertussis toxoid, and Ig A antibody levels to rotavirus by ELISA and serum vitamin D and zinc at 7 and 15 months in the MAL-ED birth cohort of the Bangladesh site. By using population-specific generalized estimating equations (GEE), the association between each explanatory variable and the binary outcome variable was examined longitudinally where the dependent variable was vaccine titers and the independent variables were low serum vitamin D and zinc levels.

Results

The GEE multivariable model identified a positive association between serum zinc level and tetanus vaccine titer (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.07–3.17 and p value = 0.028) after adjusting for age, gender, birth weight, WAMI score, diarrhea, ALRI, exclusive breastfeeding, serum ferritin, serum retinol and undernutrition (stunting, wasting, underweight). No association was found between the rest of the vaccine titers with serum vitamin D and zinc level (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

In the MAL-ED birth cohort, where children were followed for five years, serum zinc level had a positive impact on tetanus vaccine titers.

Markers of Environmental Enteric Dysfunction Are Associated with Poor Growth and Iron Status in Rural Ugandan Infants

BACKGROUND

Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), characterized by altered intestinal permeability/inflammation, microbial translocation, and systemic inflammation (SI), may be a significant contributor to micronutrient deficiencies and poor growth in infants from low-resource settings.

OBJECTIVE

We examined associations among EED, SI, growth, and iron status at 6 mo of age.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 6-mo-old infants (n = 548) enrolled in a Ugandan birth-cohort study (NCT04233944). EED was assessed via serum concentrations of anti-flagellin and anti- LPS immunoglobulins (Igs); SI was assessed via serum concentrations of ɑ1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and C-reactive protein (CRP); iron status was assessed via serum concentrations of hemoglobin (Hb), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and ferritin. Associations were assessed using adjusted linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

At 6 mo, ∼35% of infants were stunted [length-for-age z score (LAZ) < -2] and ∼53% were anemic [hemoglobin (Hb) <11.0 g/dL]. Nearly half (∼46%) had elevated AGP (>1 g/L) and ∼30% had elevated CRP (>5 mg/L). EED and SI biomarkers were significantly correlated (r = 0.142-0.193, P < 0.001 for all). In adjusted linear regression models, which included adjustments for SI, higher anti-flagellin IgA, anti-LPS IgA, and anti-LPS IgG concentrations were each significantly associated with lower LAZ [β (95% CI): -0.21 (-0.41, 0.00), -0.23 (-0.44, -0.03), and -0.33 (-0.58, -0.09)]. Furthermore, higher anti-flagellin IgA, anti-flagellin IgG, and anti-LPS IgA concentrations were significantly associated with lower Hb [β (95% CI): -0.24 (-0.45, -0.02), -0.58 (-1.13, 0.00), and -0.26 (-0.51, 0.00)] and higher anti-flagellin IgG and anti-LPS IgG concentrations were significantly associated with higher sTfR [β (95% CI): 2.31 (0.34, 4.28) and 3.13 (0.75, 5.51)].

CONCLUSIONS

EED is associated with both low LAZ and iron status in 6-mo-old infants. Further research on the mechanisms by which EED affects growth and micronutrient status is warranted.

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with fecal biomarkers of environmental enteric dysfunction but not with the nutritional status of children living in Bangladesh

Background

Because Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) follow a similar mode of transmission, there can be a complex interplay between H. pylori infection and EED, both of which can influence childhood growth. We sought to investigate the factors associated with H. pylori infection and identify its relationship with the fecal biomarkers of EED including Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Neopterin (NEO), Calprotectin, Reg1B and Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), and nutritional status of the children.

Methodology

Data from an on-going community-based nutrition intervention study was used for this analysis. Total 319 children aged between 12–18 months were evaluated at enrolment and at the end of a 90-day nutrition intervention. Multivariable linear regression with generalized estimating equations was done to examine the association of H. pylori infection with stool biomarker of EED and nutritional status of the children.

Principal findings

One-fifth of the participants had H. pylori infection at both the time points, with 13.8% overall persistence. Children living in crowded households had higher odds of being infected by H. pylori (AOR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.02, 4.10; p-value = 0.045). At enrolment, 60%, 99%, 69% and 85% of the stool samples were elevated compared to the reference values set for MPO, NEO, AAT and Calprotectin in the non-tropical western countries. The proportions reduced to 52%, 99%, 67%, and 77% for the same biomarkers after the nutrition intervention. Infection with H. pylori had significant positive association with fecal AAT concentrations (Coefficient = 0.26; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.49; p-value = 0.03) and inverse relationship with Reg1B concentrations measured in the stool samples (Coefficient = -0.32; 95% CI = -0.59, -0.05; p-value = 0.02). However, H. pylori infection was not associated with the indicators of childhood growth.

Conclusions

The study findings affirmed that the acquisition and persistence of H. pylori infection in the early years of life may exert an adverse impact on intestinal health, induce gut inflammation and result in increased intestinal permeability.

Infection with H. pylori, a substantial public health burden in the tropical countries, follows the similar mode of transmission analogous to Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED). There can be a complex interplay between H. pylori infection and EED–both of which can influence childhood growth–but the definite role of H. pylori infection contributing to EED and subsequent growth failure is poorly understood. In this study, the authors present data from an ongoing community-based nutrition intervention study and investigated the factors associated with H. pylori infection and identify its relationship with fecal biomarkers of EED and indicators of the nutritional status of the children hailing from a resource-poor urban settlement. They demonstrated the acquisition and persistence of H. pylori infection during early childhood. The study results also corroborate that infection with H. pylori had significant positive association with fecal Alpha-1 antitrypsin concentrations and an inverse relationship with Reg1B concentrations measured in stool samples of the children. The findings revealed in this study may contribute to a better understanding of the role of H. pylori infection in contributing to EED as well as alteration of gut function in the early years of life.

Evidence of gut enteropathy and factors associated with undernutrition among slum-dwelling adults in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Adult undernutrition (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) is responsible for immune deficits, increased risk of disease burden, and higher rates of mortality. The prevalence of adult undernutrition in Bangladesh is substantial, but there have been few studies on the etiology of this condition for the inhabitants of urban slums.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with undernutrition among slum-dwelling adults in Bangladesh.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted in the Bauniabadh area of Dhaka, Bangladesh. 270 adult participants (135 cases with a BMI <18.5 and 135 controls with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9) aged 18-45 y were enrolled between October 2018 and January 2019. Sociodemographic variables, dietary diversity, micronutrient deficiencies, psychological symptoms, infection, and biomarkers of gut health were assessed to identify the factors associated with undernutrition using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A higher number of siblings [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.39; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.77], increased self-reporting questionnaire-20 score (an instrument to screen mental health disorders and detect psychological symptoms) (aOR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.23), elevated fecal concentration of α-1 antitrypsin (aOR: 4.82; 95% CI: 1.01, 25.29), and anemia (aOR: 3.63; 95% CI: 1.62, 8.58) were positively associated with undernutrition in adults. Age (aOR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.96), dietary diversity score (aOR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.99), C-reactive protein (aOR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.92), Helicobacter pylori infection (aOR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.23), and always washing hands before eating or preparing foods (aOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.12, 0.87) were associated with reduced odds of undernutrition among the study population.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that undernutrition in slum-dwelling adults in Bangladesh is associated with numerous physiological and sociodemographic factors, including evidence of gastrointestinal inflammation and altered intestinal permeability.

Association of intestinal pathogens with faecal markers of environmental enteric dysfunction among slum-dwelling children in the first 2 years of life in Bangladesh

OBJECTIVE

Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) can be assessed by faecal biomarkers such as Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Neopterin (NEO) and Alpha-1 anti-trypsin (AAT). We aimed to test the association of intestinal pathogens with faecal markers of EED among slum-dwelling children in first 2 years of life.

METHODS

The MAL-ED birth cohort data of Bangladesh site were used to conduct this analysis. Multivariable analyses using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were performed to test the association between intestinal pathogens and faecal markers of EED.

RESULTS

Giardiasis, ascariasis and trichuriasis were the most frequent parasitic infections and Campylobacter spp., Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) were the common bacterial pathogens observed in stool samples of the children. Overall, 71%, 97% and 58% of stool samples were above values considered normal in non-tropical settings for MPO, NEO and AAT respectively. Giardiasis was found to be significantly associated with MPO (Coefficient = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.15, 0.95; P-value = 0.008) and AAT concentrations (Coefficient = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.04, 0.63; P-value = 0.03). A significant association was found between trichuriasis and NEO (Coefficient = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.19, 1.61; P-value = 0.01). Trichuriasis (Coefficient = 1.71; 95% CI = 0.32, 3.11; P-value = 0.02) and giardiasis (Coefficient = 1.51; 95% CI = 0.79, 2.23; P-value <0.001) were significantly associated with EED score. Children with EAEC had significantly higher MPO concentrations (Coefficient = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.61; P-value = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The study results imply the importance of intestinal pathogens in contributing to intestinal inflammation and increased intestinal permeability in young children.