Classification Of Infectious Diseases

Malnutrition is a condition that results from an unbalanced diet in which certain nutrients are lacking, in excess, or in the wrong proportions. It includes both undernutrition (wasting, stunting, underweight) and overnutrition (obesity, micronutrient excess). Malnutrition and infection have a bidirectional relationship. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, making a person more vulnerable to infections. Infections, in turn, aggravate malnutrition by decreasing appetite, increasing nutrient requirements, and causing nutrient loss.