Antibiotic use and resistance in children with severe acute malnutrition and human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Abstract

Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection underlie a major proportion of the childhood disease burden in low- and middle-income countries. These diseases commonly co-occur and lead to higher risk of other endemic infectious diseases, thereby compounding the risk of mortality and morbidity. The widespread use of antibiotics as treatment and prophylaxis in childhood SAM and HIV infections, respectively, has reduced mortality and morbidity but canlead to increasing antibiotic resistance. Development of antibiotic resistance could render future infections untreatable. This review summarises the endemic co-occurrence of undernutrition, particularly SAM, and HIV in children, and current treatment practices, specifically WHO-recommended antibiotic usage. The risks and benefits of antibiotic treatment, prophylaxis and resistance are reviewed in the context of patients with SAM and HIV and associated sub-populations. Finally, the review highlights possible research areas and populations where antibiotic resistance progression can be studied to best address concerns associated with the future impact of resistance. Current antibiotic usage is lifesaving in complicated SAM and HIV-infected populations; nevertheless, increasing baseline resistance and infection remain a significant concern. In conclusion, antibiotic usage currently addresses the immediate needs of children in SAM and HIV endemic regions; however, it is prudent to evaluate the impact of antibiotic use on resistance dynamics and long-term child health.