Mechanistic insights into microbial drivers of gut barrier dysfunctions in malnourished infants

Early childhood malnutrition, a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, is widespread in Pakistan. While gut microbiome dysbiosis and intestinal barrier dysfunction are linked to poor growth in children, the interplay between specific microbial factors and intestinal barrier integrity remains poorly understood in malnourished infants. This project aims to identify gut microbiome functions specifically associated with nutritional status and gut barrier dysfunctions in vulnerable infants.