Fig. 1.

Pathogenesis of EE/EED and long-lasting consequences. Continuous exposure to feces triggers EE/EED in individuals living in poor sanitary condition. Pathogenic conditions are seen systemically as well as locally in small intestine (black arrows). Pathogenic conditions have adverse effects on children's health as inducing long-lasting consequences (red arrows). These consequences, in turn, contribute a vicious cycle (blue arrows).

Abbreviations, EE, environmental enteropathy; EED, environmental enteric dysfunction; SIBO, small intestine bacterial overgrowth.