Invited Commentary on Growth and Development in Children with Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites including soil-transmitted helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms-Necator americanus, Ancylostoma duodenale), Strongyloides stercoralis, and intestinal protozoa (Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium parvum/hominis, and Entamoeba histolytica) are among the most widespread infectious organisms disproportionately affecting children worldwide. Economically disadvantaged children living in resource limited areas of developing countries are at greatest risk for recurrent gastrointestinal parasitic infections. Infected children often suffer significant morbidity impacting growth outcomes, school attendance, and academic achievement. Consequently, morbidity imposed by disease burden associated with gastrointestinal parasitic infections can have long-term implications impeding educational success and future productivity furthering conditions of poverty. It follows that these infections are an important public health concern related to child health outcomes worldwide. The objective of this review is to highlight fundamental aspects of childhood growth and development essential for the investigation and further understanding of morbidity associated with gastrointestinal parasitic infections in children.