Complement Activation by Staphylococcus Epidermidis Biofilm is Less Pronounced in Neonates as Compared to Adults

Abstract

Background: The innate immune system in neonates is immature, making them more susceptible to infections. Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE) is the most frequent cause of late-onset sepsis in neonates. SE produces a biofilm consisting of the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA), which may have a central role in the pathogenesis of these infections. There is little knowledge on how the complement, an essential part of innate immunity, reacts to SE biofilm associated infections. The aim of this study was to investigate how SE biofilm activates the complement cascade in neonates compared to adults.