Genetic susceptibility to neonatal infection

Abstract

Despite the enormous human and financial costs of infection for neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, it remains unclear why neonates are so susceptible. Genetic epidemiologic studies may assist in the identification of critical protective and pathogenic pathways. Despite the current relative lack of robust data, such studies are likely to facilitate the development of interventions that ultimately decrease the significant morbidity and mortality of this highly vulnerable population.

<i>MBL2</i> Gene Polymorphism and the Association with Neonatal Sepsis in Egyptian Neonates, a Case Control Study

“…Complement factors and acute phase proteins, are important immune system mediators. They are critically important to prevent infections [1].…”

The impact of maternal anti-retroviral therapy on cytokine profile in the uninfected neonates

“…It is known that the fetus is vulnerable to infection because both cellular and humoral immunity are inadequately developed in intrauterine life [9]. Immature naïve T lymphocytes are normally the dominant phenotype in newborns [10,11].…”

Genomic Approaches to the Host Response to Pathogens

“…Family studies, especially twin studies, and population studies have clearly shown a genetic component to susceptibility to infectious disease ( Frodsham and Hill, 2004 ;Lipoldova and Demant, 2006 ;Strunk and Burgner, 2006 ). Family studies, especially twin studies, and population studies have clearly shown a genetic component to susceptibility to infectious disease ( Frodsham and Hill, 2004 ;Lipoldova and Demant, 2006 ;Strunk and Burgner, 2006 ).…”