Gunasekaran Gayathri, Thirugnanam Dinesh Kumar, Balasubramaniam Ashwath, Jayanthi N Nalini, Leela K V
Department of Microbiology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, 603 203, Tamil Nadu, India.
Department of Microbiology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Maduravoyal, 600095, Tamil Nadu, India.
Curr Pediatr Rev. 2025;21(3):245-267. doi: 10.2174/0115733963309043240703115735.
The study presents a thorough examination of immune responses in pediatric populations within slum areas, specifically addressing respiratory infections. It explores the impact of slum conditions on respiratory health, detailing the epidemiology of infections, including common pathogens and environmental factors. The review delves into the etiology, clinical manifestations, and challenges associated with viral respiratory infections, co-infections, and complications in slum environments. The discussion extends to immune responses in pediatric respiratory infections, emphasizing unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment within slum areas. Prevention and intervention strategies are highlighted, encompassing vaccination programs, health education, and improving living conditions. It underscores the importance of targeted interventions, accounting for socio-economic factors, community-based strategies, and culturally sensitive approaches. It proposes the exploration of novel approaches and the development of vaccines tailored to prevalent respiratory pathogens in slum settings. Furthermore, the feasibility and impact of routine immunization programs, emphasizing accessibility, acceptance, and long-term sustainability are explored. It advocates strengthening primary healthcare systems, investing in healthcare workforce training, and improving diagnostic facilities. The potential of digital health technologies in enhancing surveillance, early detection, and the development of mobile applications or telemedicine platforms is discussed. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the multifaceted challenges faced by children in slum areas regarding respiratory infections, necessitating informed, interdisciplinary interventions. Addressing healthcare disparities, improving living conditions, and enhancing vaccination coverage are deemed crucial for mitigating the burden of respiratory infections. This review calls for collaborative efforts among researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for enhanced respiratory health in slum-dwelling pediatric populations.
该研究对贫民窟地区儿童群体的免疫反应进行了全面检查，特别针对呼吸道感染。它探讨了贫民窟环境对呼吸健康的影响，详细阐述了感染的流行病学，包括常见病原体和环境因素。该综述深入研究了贫民窟环境中病毒呼吸道感染、合并感染及并发症的病因、临床表现和相关挑战。讨论延伸至小儿呼吸道感染中的免疫反应，强调了贫民窟地区诊断和治疗方面的独特挑战。突出了预防和干预策略，包括疫苗接种计划、健康教育和改善生活条件。它强调了针对性干预措施的重要性，考虑到社会经济因素、基于社区的策略和文化敏感方法。它提议探索新方法并开发针对贫民窟环境中流行呼吸道病原体的疫苗。此外，还探讨了常规免疫计划的可行性和影响，强调了可及性、可接受性和长期可持续性。它主张加强初级医疗保健系统，投资于医疗保健人员培训并改善诊断设施。讨论了数字健康技术在加强监测、早期检测以及开发移动应用程序或远程医疗平台方面的潜力。总之，该研究强调了贫民窟地区儿童在呼吸道感染方面面临的多方面挑战，需要有见地的跨学科干预措施。解决医疗保健差距、改善生活条件和提高疫苗接种覆盖率被认为对于减轻呼吸道感染负担至关重要。本综述呼吁研究人员、医疗保健专业人员、政策制定者和社区利益相关者共同努力，为改善贫民窟居住儿童群体的呼吸健康制定可持续解决方案。
