International Journal of Medical and Health Research

Authors
Dipak Kumar, Sujit Kumar, Alka Singh

Abstract
Lower respiratory tract infections are a major cause of mortality in children below the age of five years, particularly in resource-poor countries. Although advances in treatment protocols have reduced mortality rates, and improved vaccine technology has seen the development of more effective vaccines against a number of pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, the costs involved may prohibit their introduction in those countries most in need. Thus cheaper alternatives to boost infants’ and young children’s resistance to respiratory infections, and to reduce the severity of the disease when it occurs, are urgently needed.