THE ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOTA MODULATION IN REDUCING INFANT MORTALITY FROM DIARRHOEA AND MALNUTRITION "A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW"

Infant mortality caused by diarrhoea and malnutrition remains a major global health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Recent innovations in biomedical sciences have emphasized the critical role of gut microbiota in supporting immune development, nutrient absorption, and gastrointestinal integrity in early life. Disruptions in gut microbial composition characterized by reduced diversity, low abundance of beneficial species such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, and a representation of pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae have been strongly associated with poor growth outcomes, persistent diarrhoea, and increased mortality in infants. This review synthesizes current evidence on gut microbiota modulation as a promising intervention for reducing infant morbidity and mortality related to diarrheal and malnutrition-related conditions. It explores therapeutic strategies including probiotics, prebiotics symbiotics microbiota directed complementary foods, and emerging approaches such as next generation probiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation.