Final answer:
In 2017, the five leading causes of infant death were pneumonia, diarrhea, congenital anomalies, preterm birth complications, and birth asphyxia/trauma, with acute respiratory infections being the most frequent cause in low-income countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The five leading causes of infant death in 2017 included pneumonia, diarrhea, congenital anomalies, preterm birth complications, and birth asphyxia/trauma. These causes are particularly prevalent in low-income countries where healthcare resources are scarce. Children in these regions are also highly susceptible to malnutrition and often impacted severely by environmental factors, such as poor water quality and inadequate sanitation, which exacerbate health risks and contribute to mortality. According to the World Health Organization, the most frequent cause of death for children under five in low-income countries is acute respiratory infections, primarily due to the effects of indoor air pollution. Additionally, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) remains one of the leading causes of infant death in developed countries like the U.S., although it is not as prevalent in low-income countries.