Repurposing Lactoferrin and Lysozyme to Address Environmental Enteric Dysfunction in Kenya

​Principal Investigator: Kevin Kariuki, MSc

Disease: Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED)

Research Description: Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a risk factor for childhood malnutrition characterized by inflammation and reduced absorption of the small intestine due to repeated exposure to enteric pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses. This can lead to severe malnutrition, stunted growth, delayed neurodevelopment, and increased susceptibility to infections in children who are otherwise healthy. EED is especially prevalent in LMICs, with 30% of Kenyan children aged 6-24 months having abnormal enteric permeability (“leaky gut”) consistent with EED. Lactoferrin and lysozyme are milk-derived nutraceuticals that may protect against enteric-pathogen infection and reduce EED. This research adds biomarker analysis to an ongoing double-blind, placebo-controlled, factorial, randomized trial giving children either lactoferrin, lysozyme, a combination of both, or an identical placebo for 16 weeks. EED biomarker analysis will increase understanding of how lactoferrin and lysozyme can improve EED outcomes and related health conditions. If successful, this trial could lead to the first treatment of EED in LMICs and provides a critical platform for advancing child health research in Kenya.

Funding Partners: Open Philanthropy

Initial CWR Funding Role: Supplemental