Conclusions This systematic review found that most of the evidence associating malaria and malnutrition comes from P. falciparum endemic areas , with a significant heterogeneity in studies ’ design .
Apparently malnutrition has not a great impact on malaria morbidity , but could have a negative impact on malaria mortality and severity .
Most studies show no association between malaria and subsequent malnutrition in P. falciparum areas .
In Plasmodium vivax endemic areas , malaria was associated with malnutrition in children .
Background Multiple studies in various parts of the world have analysed the association of nutritional status on malaria using anthropometric measures , but results differ due to the heterogeneity of the study population , species of the parasite , and other factors involved in the host and parasite relationship .
The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review on the inter-relationship of nutritional status based on anthropometry and malarial infection .
Factors associated with growth patterns from birth to 18 months in a Beninese cohort of children.
The aim of this study was to analyze factors influencing the growth pattern of children from birth to 18 months . A longitudinal prospect i ve study was conducted in three maternity wards in Southern Benin . Inclusion took place between June 2007 and July 2008 ; children were followed-up until 18 months of age . Height-for-age and weight-for-height Z-scores were computed using the newborn 's anthropometric measurements taken at delivery , every month up to 6 months and then quarterly . Infant and young child feeding ( IYCF ) practice s and malarial morbidity were recorded . Gestational age was estimated using the Ballard method ; William 's sex-specific reference curve of birth weight-for-gestational-age was used to determine intrauterine growth retardation ( IUGR ) . Analyses were performed on 520 children using a linear mixed model . Low birth weight ( coef=-0.43 ; p=0.002 ) , IUGR ( coef=-0.49 ; p<0.001 ) , maternal short stature ( coef=-0.25 ; p=0.001 ) and maternal low weight status ( coef=-0.19 ; p=0.006 ) were significantly associated with growth impairment . Only LBW ( coef=-0.28 ; p=0.05 ) and maternal low weight status ( coef=-0.23 ; p=0.004 ) were associated with wasting . A good IYCF score was positively associated with weight gain ( coef=0.14 ; p<0.001 ) whereas we found a paradoxical association with length ( coef=-0.18 ; p<0.001 ) . Malaria morbidity was not associated with growth . LBW , IUGR and maternal low weight status and height were important determinants of children 's growth . These results reinforce and justify continuing public health initiatives to fight IUGR and LBW and break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition
Conclusions This systematic review found that most of the evidence associating malaria and malnutrition comes from P. falciparum endemic areas , with a significant heterogeneity in studies ’ design .
Apparently malnutrition has not a great impact on malaria morbidity , but could have a negative impact on malaria mortality and severity .
Most studies show no association between malaria and subsequent malnutrition in P. falciparum areas .
In Plasmodium vivax endemic areas , malaria was associated with malnutrition in children .
Background Multiple studies in various parts of the world have analysed the association of nutritional status on malaria using anthropometric measures , but results differ due to the heterogeneity of the study population , species of the parasite , and other factors involved in the host and parasite relationship .
The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review on the inter-relationship of nutritional status based on anthropometry and malarial infection .