Infectious Diseases of Poverty in Children: A Tale of Two Worlds

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2016 Feb;63(1):37-66. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2015.08.002.

Abstract

"Infectious diseases of poverty" (IDoP) describes infectious diseases that are more prevalent among poor and vulnerable populations, namely human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, tuberculosis (TB), malaria, and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). In 2013, 190,000 children died of HIV-related causes and there were 550,000 cases and 80,000 TB deaths in children. Children under age 5 account for 78% of malaria deaths annually. NTDs remain a public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries. This article provides an overview of the major IDoP that affect children. Clinicians must be familiar with the epidemiology and clinical manifestations to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords: Children; HIV/AIDS; Infectious diseases; Malaria; Neglected tropical diseases; Poverty; Tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Child Mortality
  • Communicable Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Communicable Diseases* / economics
  • Communicable Diseases* / therapy
  • Global Health
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • Healthcare Disparities / economics*
  • Humans
  • Malaria / diagnosis
  • Malaria / therapy
  • Neglected Diseases
  • Poverty*
  • Tropical Medicine
  • Tuberculosis / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents