- A study investigated the relationship between enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) infection and childhood malnutrition in Brazilian children aged 6-24 months, finding that malnourished children were more likely to have specific EAEC virulence-related genes (VRGs).
- Results showed a EAEC prevalence of about 39.94%, with certain gene combinations (aaiC, aatA, and aafC) linked to malnutrition, while the presence of other genes (aar, pic, agg4A, capU) was associated with better nutritional status.
- The findings highlight the role of EAEC in increasing the risk of malnutrition and suggest that specific genes can impact intestinal health and inflammation