Infections In Newborns Research Articles

Vaginal colonization with virulent and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus among Ugandan women in Labour

BackgroundStaphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) often colonizes the human skin, upper respiratory and genital tracts. In the female genital tract, it can be passed on to the newborn during vaginal delivery leading to either ordinary colonization, or neonatal infections notably umbilical stump sepsis, scalded skin syndrome, arthritis, or bacteraemia/sepsis. These infections are mediated by staphylococcal virulence factors such as (i) Staphylococcal Enterotoxins A, B, C, D, and E encoded by the sea, seb, sec, sed, see genes, (ii) Exfoliative Toxins A and B encoded by the eta and etb genes, (iii) Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin 1 (TSST-1) encoded by the tst gene, (iv) Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) encoded by the pvl gene, and (v) Hemolysins alpha and delta encoded by the hla and hld genes, respectively. We determined the prevalence of S. aureus possessing one or more virulence factor genes and of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in this population.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study, which used 85 S. aureus isolates from the Chlorohexidine (CHX) clinical trial study in Uganda. The isolates had been obtained by culturing vaginal swabs (VS) from 1472 women in labour, frozen at minus 80oC, then thawed, sub-cultured, and tested for the selected virulence genes sea, seb, sec, sed, see eta, etb, tst, pvl, hla and hld, and for the methicillin resistance determining gene (mecA). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.ResultsOf the 85 S. aureus isolates 13 (15.3%) were positive for one or more virulence factor genes, as follows: pvl 9/85 (10.6%), hld 5/85 (5.9%), sea 1/85 (1.2%) and seb genes 1/85 (1.2%). The other virulence genes (sec, sed, see, eta, etb, hla and tst) were not detected in any of the isolates. MRSA was detected in 55.3% (47/85) of the isolates, but only two of these carried the pvl virulence gene.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that 15% of the S. aureus colonizing the female lower genital tract of mothers in labour in central Uganda carried one or more virulence genes, mostly pvl, indicating potential for newborn infection with S. aureus acquired in the maternal birth canal. More than half of the isolates were MRSA.

CRISPR screens identify genes essential for in vivo virulence among proteins of hyperLOPIT-unassigned subcellular localization in Toxoplasma.

The research field to identify and characterize genes essential for in vivo virulence in Toxoplasma gondii has been dramatically advanced by a series of in vivo clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) screens. Although subcellular localizations of thousands of proteins were predicted by the spatial proteomic method called hyperLOPIT, those of more than 1,000 proteins remained unassigned, and their essentiality in virulence was also unknown. In this study, we generated two small-scale gRNA libraries targeting approximately 600 hyperLOPIT-unassigned proteins and performed in vivo CRISPR screens. As a result, we identified several genes essential for in vivo virulence that were previously unreported. We further characterized two candidates, TgGTPase and TgRimM, which are localized in the cytoplasm and the apicoplast, respectively. Both genes are essential for parasite virulence and widely conserved in the phylum Apicomplexa. Collectively, our current study provides a resource for estimating the in vivo essentiality of Toxoplasma proteins with previously unknown localizations.IMPORTANCEToxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that causes severe infection in immunocompromised patients or newborns. Toxoplasma possesses more than 8,000 genes; however, the genes essential for in vivo virulence were not fully identified. The apicomplexan parasites, including Toxoplasma, developed unique organelles that do not exist in other model organisms; thus, determining the subcellular location of parasite proteins is important for understanding their functions. Here, we used in vivo genetic screens that enabled us to investigate hundreds of genes in Toxoplasma during mouse infection. We screened approximately 600 parasite proteins with previously unknown subcellular localizations. We identified many novel genes that confer parasite virulence in mice. Among the top hits, we characterized two genes essential for in vivo virulence, TgGTPase and TgRimM, which are widely conserved in the phylum Apicomplexa. Our findings will contribute to understanding how apicomplexans adapt to the host environment and cause disease.

Molecular epidemiology and virulence factors of group B Streptococcus in South Korea according to the invasiveness

BackgroundGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) causes invasive infections in newborns and elderly individuals, but is a noninvasive commensal bacterium in most immunocompetent people. Recently, the incidence of invasive GBS infections has increased worldwide, and there is growing interest in the molecular genetic characteristics of invasive GBS strains. Vaccines against GBS are expected in the near future. Here, we aimed to analyze the molecular epidemiology of GBS according to the invasiveness in South Korea.MethodsWe analyzed GBS isolates collected and stored in two hospitals in South Korea between January 2015 and December 2020. The invasiveness of these isolates was determined via a retrospective review of clinical episodes. Totally, 120 GBS isolates from 55 children and 65 adults were analyzed. Serotype and sequence type (ST) were determined using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and multilocus sequence typing, respectively. Fourteen virulence factor-encoding genes of GBS were analyzed using multiplex PCR.ResultsForty one (34.2%) were invasive infection-related GBS isolates (iGBS). The most frequently detected serotype was III (39/120, 32.5%), and it accounted for a high proportion of iGBS (21/41, 51.2%). The most frequent ST was ST19 (18/120, 15.0%), followed by ST2 (17/120, 14.2%). Serotype III/ST17 was predominant in iGBS (12/41, 29.3%), and all 17 ST2 strains were noninvasive. The distribution of most of the investigated virulence factors was not significantly related to invasiveness; noteworthily, most of the serotype III/ST17 iGBS carried pilus island (PI) 2b (10/12, 83.3%), and the prevalence of fbsB was significantly low compared with noninvasive GBS isolates (P = 0.004). Characteristically, the combination of bca(+)-cspA(+)-pavA(+)-fbsB(-)-rib(+)-bac(-) was predominant in iGBS (24.4%, 10/41).ConclusionsSerotype III/ST17 GBS carrying PI-2b was frequently detected in iGBS. There was no significant association between invasiveness and the pattern of virulence factors; however, a specific combination of virulence factors was predominant in iGBS.

Performance evaluation of the Alinity m system for quantifying cytomegalovirus DNA in samples of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tract.

Quantitation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA load in specimens other than blood such as bronchoalveolar lavages, intestinal biopsies, or urine has become a common practice as an ancillary tool for the diagnosis of CMV pneumonitis, intestinal disease, or congenital infection, respectively. Nevertheless, most commercially available CMV PCR platforms have not been validated for CMV DNA detection in these specimen types. In this study, a laboratory-developed test based on Alinity m CMV ("Alinity LDT") was evaluated. Reproducibility assessment using spiked bronchial aspirate (BAS) or urine samples showed low standard deviations of 0.08 and 0.27 Log IU/mL, respectively. Evaluating the clinical performance of Alinity LDT in comparison to a laboratory-developed test based on RealTime CMV ("RealTime LDT") showed good concordance across 200 clinical specimens including respiratory specimens, intestinal biopsies, urine, and stool. A high Pearson's correlation coefficient of r = 0.92, a low mean bias of -0.12 Log IU/mL, a good qualitative agreement of 90%, and a Cohen's kappa value of 0.76 (substantial agreement) were observed. In separate analyses of the sample types BAS, tracheal aspirates, bronchoalveolar lavage, biopsies, and urine, the assay results correlated well between the two platforms with r values between 0.88 and 0.99 and a bias <0.5 Log IU/mL. Overall, the fully automated, continuous, random access Alinity LDT yielded good reproducibility, high concordance, and good correlation to RealTime LDT in respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urine samples and may enhance patient management with rapid result reporting.IMPORTANCEIn transplant recipients, a major cause for morbidity and mortality is end-organ disease by primary or secondary CMV infection of the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract. In addition, sensorineural hearing loss and neurodevelopmental abnormalities are frequent sequelae of congenital CMV infections in newborns. Standard of care for highly sensitive detection and quantitation of the CMV DNA load in plasma and whole blood specimens is real-time PCR testing. Beyond that, there is a need for quantitative determination of CMV DNA levels in respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary tract specimens using a highly automated, random access CMV PCR assay with a short turnaround time to enable early diagnosis and treatment. In the present study, clinical performance of the fully automated Alinity m analyzer in comparison to the current RealTime LDT assay was evaluated in eight different off-label sample types.

Trends of Early Onset Group B Streptococcus infections and Observed Racial and Geographic Disparities Associated with GBS Infections in Tennessee, 2005-2021

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the most common causes of bacterial sepsis in newborns. In 2002, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended universal screening of all pregnant women for GBS colonization and administering intrapartum prophylaxis to colonized pregnant women to prevent GBS infection in newborns. To identify racial disparities in GBS infections in Tennessee, we compared the incidence of early-onset GBS infection among Black and White infants from 2005-2021. Methods: GBS infections identified from normally sterile sites are reportable in Tennessee. We analyzed GBS data reported to surveillance systems from 2005 to 2021. We linked the surveillance data with the population data to calculate incidence rates. We excluded cases with unknown race status (9%) and other races (0.2%) as we do not have denominator data to calculate the incidence rate. Database linkage and data analyses were performed in SAS V.9.4. Results: A total of 399 early-onset GBS cases were reported from 2005–2021; 150 (37.59%) were Black, 212 (53.13%) were White, and 36 (9.02%) were of unknown race, and one (0.20%) reported as Other for race. While the incidence rates of early-onset GBS for all races declined from 0.23 per 1000 live births in 2005 to 0.18 per 1000 live births in 2021, Blacks experienced the largest decline in incidence from 0.6 per 1000 live births in 2005 to 0.37 in 2021. Among Whites, there was a slight decline in 2021 (0.13/1000 live births) compared to the rate in 2005 (0.21/1000 live births). The mean incidence rate of early onset GBS among Blacks (0.52 per 1000 live births) is significantly higher than the mean rates among Whites (0.20 per 1000 live births) (p value &lt; 0 .001) from 2005 to 2021. Shelby County, one of the 95 counties in Tennessee, is predominantly Black (54.6%) and reported 27.8% of all early-onset GBS. Conclusion: There was a significant decline in early-onset GBS infections among Blacks and some reductions among Whites, indicating the effectiveness of the prevention strategies. However, Blacks have significantly higher rates than their White counterparts. In addition, 27.8% of the cases are reported from one county, signaling geographic disparities as well. Further investigation is warranted to identify risk factors and causes of observed racial and geographic disparities to help reduce the infection rate among vulnerable populations and high-risk geographic areas.

Combating Neonatal Infections in Libya: Common Bacteria and Treatment Strategies

Neonatal infections represent a prevalent issue impacting newborns during their initial days, resulting in escalated mortality rates, particularly evident in less developed nations. Two studies examined the microbes responsible for the beginning of infections in newborns and compared different treatment modalities. Predominant infectious manifestations included septicemia, meningitis, septic arthritis, and pneumonia. Gram-negative Klebsiella and Staphylococcus emerged as the prevalent bacterial strains responsible for neonatal infections. The antibiotic regimens commonly employed in medical facilities in Libya comprised of ampicillin, gentamicin, cefotaxime, vancomycin, amoxicillin, meropenem, amikacin, tazocin, and cloxacillin. Gender disparities were observed in the incidence rates of septicemia and meningitis, with the former being more recurrent in females. The collective fatality rate stood at 5–10% among the entire neonatal cohort.

Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Group B Streptococcus Infections in Newborns and Mothers: A Comprehensive Review

Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Group B Streptococcus Infections in Newborns and Mothers: A Comprehensive Review

Cytomegalovirus pneumonia with intermittent pulmonary hemorrhage leading to asphyxia death: a case report and literature review

Neonatal pulmonary hemorrhage is a late manifestation of various diseases. Premature delivery and low body weight are frequently observed as high-risk factors, characterized by acute onset, rapid progression, and high mortality rates. Pulmonary hemorrhage caused by cytomegalovirus infection in newborns with normal immune function is a rare occurrence. This case report focuses on a term neonate with normal birth weight who presented solely with nasal obstruction shortly after birth. However, 4 days after birth, the newborn experienced a sudden onset of blood gushing from both the mouth and nasal cavity. The patient was diagnosed with gastrointestinal bleeding, neonatal pneumonia and neonatal lung consolidation. And he was discharged after ten days of symptomatic treatment. However, upon returning home, the patient experienced a sudden onset of bleeding from the mouth and nose, leading to his untimely demise. Subsequent autopsy revealed the presence of pulmonary hemorrhage in newborn, which presented as interstitial pneumonia. The cause of pulmonary hemorrhage is cytomegalovirus infection. This case emphasizes the importance of pediatricians enhancing their skills in differentiating pulmonary hemorrhage, especially from cytomegalovirus pneumonia.

Frozen Section of Placental Membranes and Umbilical Cord: A Valid Diagnostic Tool for Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis Management.

Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), a serious infection in newborns within 3 days, is challenging to diagnose. The current methods often lack accuracy, leading to unnecessary antibiotics or delayed treatment. This study investigates the role of the frozen section examination of placental membranes and umbilical cord (FSMU) to improve EONS diagnosis in the daily lab practice. This retrospective study reviewed data from 59 neonates with EONS risk factors who underwent FSMU according to our institutional protocol. Concordance between the FSMU and the Final Pathological Report (FPR) was assessed. The FSMU demonstrated a high concordance (Kappa = 0.88) for funisitis diagnosis, with excellent accuracy (98.3%). A moderate concordance was observed for chorioamnionitis stage and grade. The FSMU shows promise as a rapid and accurate tool for diagnosing EONS, particularly for funisitis. This study suggests that the FSMU could be a valuable tool for EONS diagnosis, enabling a more judicious antibiotic use and potentially improving outcomes for newborns.

Population pharmacokinetics and dose rationale for aciclovir in term and pre-term neonates with herpes.

Aciclovir is considered the first-line treatment against Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in new-borns and infants. As renal excretion is the major route of elimination, in renally-impaired patients, aciclovir doses are adjusted according to the degree of impairment. However, limited attention has been given to the implications of immature renal function or dysfunction due to the viral disease itself. The aim of this investigation was to characterize the pharmacokinetics of aciclovir taking into account maturation and disease processes in the neonatal population. Pharmacokinetic data obtained from 2 previously published clinical trials (n = 28) were analyzed using a nonlinear mixed effects modeling approach. Post-menstrual age (PMA) and creatinine clearance (CLCR) were assessed as descriptors of maturation and renal function. Simulation scenarios were also implemented to illustrate the use of pharmacokinetic data to extrapolate efficacy from adults. Aciclovir pharmacokinetics was described by a one-compartment model with first-order elimination. Body weight and diagnosis (systemic infection) were statistically significant covariates on the volume of distribution, whereas body weight, CLCR and PMA had a significant effect on clearance. Median clearance varied from 0.2 to 1.0 L/h in subjects with PMA <34 or ≥34 weeks, respectively. Population estimate for volume of distribution was 1.93 L with systemic infection increasing this value by almost 3-fold (2.67 times higher). A suitable model parameterization was identified, which discriminates the effects of developmental growth, maturation, and organ function. Exposure to aciclovir was found to increase with decreasing PMA and renal function (CLCR), suggesting different dosing requirement for pre-term neonates.

Listeriosis in Poland in 2012-2021.

The aim of the study is to present and evaluate the epidemiological situation of listeriosis in Poland in the years 2012-2021. The analysis material consisted of data from individual epidemiological case reports on listeriosis submitted to the Department of Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases and Surveillance of the NIPH NIH - NRI by state sanitaryepidemiological stations in the form of paper questionnaires (2012-2019) and in the electronic form through the EpiBaza system (2020 and 2021), as well as aggregated data from the bulletin "Infectious Diseases and Poisoning in Poland". Between 2012 and 2021, a total of 896 cases of listeriosis were registred in Poland. The median incidence was 0.23 per 100,000 population, which was an increase by 52.2% compared to the previous 5-year period (2007-2011). Every year, more than 90% of cases were hospitalized. The highest percentage of patients were in the age group >60 years old (65.5%). From 2012 to 2019 (in the years when information on cases was collected on a paper form), a total of 275 deaths of patients from listeriosis were recorded (38.4% of all reported cases). According to data from the EpiBaza system, in 2020 and 2021 there were 5 (8.33%) and 25 (20.83%) deaths due to listeriosis. A total of 92.1% of patients with listeriosis had significant predisposing factors for the occurrence of this disease, most of which were associated with neoplasia and heart disease and were present in half of all cases. As part of routine surveillance, no epidemic outbreak associated with Listeria monocytogenes infection was reported in Poland in the years 2012-2021.A total number of 49 pregnant women with listeriosis were reported during described period. Between 2012 and 2021, 37 cases of congenital listeriosis were reported. The median of incidence was 1.07/100 thousand live births, a decrease of 26% compared to the previous 5-year period (2007-2011). Of all congenital infections in newborns, 12 deaths (32.43%) were reported. The epidemiology of listeriosis is changing both in the EU/EEA countries and in Poland: the incidence is increasing and the distribution of cases in different age groups is changing, affecting primarily the elderly, especially those with predisposing diseases. Although 2020 tere was a decrease in the number of cases at EU level, possibly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall trend of listeriosis cases isincreasing. The clinical condition has a significant impact on the course of L. monocytogenes infection: in healthy people, infection is usually asymptomatic. The disease primarily affects immunocompromised people. In contrast, infection of pregnant women can lead to premature birth, miscarriage, meningitis and neonatal sepsis with mortality rate of 20-30%. The growing trend in listeriosis is alarming and requires greater attention in terms of prevention and control of the disease.

From diagnosis to management: current perspectives on congenital cytomegalovirus infection.

Congenital CMV (cCMV) infection is the most common infection of newborns and a leading cause of hearing loss and other neurologic disabilities in children. This review focuses on the diagnosis, presentation and management of cCMV infection. Cytomegalovirus is one of the leading causes of sensorineural hearing loss in children. It also leads to neurodevelopmental disabilities and learning problems throughout childhood in both symptomatic and asymptomatic newborns. Urine and saliva PCR testing are the preferred methods of testing newborn infants for cCMV. In recent years, newborn-targeted and universal screening programs have been implemented in several states and major medical centers with the goal of identifying infected infants at risk for hearing loss. Treatment for infants diagnosed with cCMV infection should be limited to those who are moderately to severely symptomatic at birth with cCMV infection, though treatment may be beneficial for children who are asymptomatic with isolated sensorineural hearing loss. As more children with cCMV are being identified through newborn screening, understanding the clinical presentation and sequelae is important for appropriate management of children with cCMV.

Predictors of early-onset neonatal infections (review)

Predictors of early-onset neonatal infections (review)

Kejadian Ketuban Pecah Dini terhadap Infeksi Neonatorum di Ruang Perinatologi RSUD Kota Madiun

Premature Rupture of Membranes (PRM) the rupture of the amniotic membrane before delivery can have consequences for the mother and baby, and can result in neonatal infections. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the incidence of premature rupture of membranes and the incidence of neonatal infections in Perinatology at the Madiun City General Hospital. Type of research is correlation analytic, retrospective cohort research design with a documentation study approach. The population was all newborn babies whose mothers experienced PROM from July 2022 to July 2023. The sample was 158 mothers who gave birth using simple random sampling. Research in the Perinatology Room at Madiun City Regional Hospital starting in August 2023. Independent variable is premature rupture of membranes. Neonatal infection research variables. Analysis tests using the Chi Square Test. The results of the research that almost all respondents had a duration of KPD ≥ 12 hours, 146 people (92.4%), almost all respondents experienced neonatal infections, 124 people (78.5%), the Chi Square test produced Sig. (2-tailed) is 0.013, meaning there is a relationship between the incidence of premature rupture of membranes and the incidence of neonatal infection in the Madiun City Regional Hospital with a very weak relationship level because the relationship value is 0.195. Mothers who gave birth to KPD ≥ 12 hours did not cause neonatal infections, namely that health workers increased their self-protection to prevent infection in newborns by not frequently carrying out internal examinations on women who gave birth who experienced KPD, giving antibiotics and you need to wash your hands properly

Sialic acids from the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) capsule dampen mast cell activation through Siglec-9

Abstract GBS is a leading cause of bacterial infection in newborns, adult diabetics, pregnant women, and the elderly. A key virulence factor of GBS is its surface capsular polysaccharide, which displays terminal sialic acids that suppress host innate immune responses by engaging host inhibitory receptors like Sialic acid-binding immunoglobin-like lectin- 9 (Siglec-9). We reported that human mast cells (MC) express Siglec-9 and that engaging it with native ligands or antibodies results in reduced mast cell activation in vitro. We hypothesized that capsular sialic acids engage Siglec-9 to impair MC ability to initiate the host response. Mice expressing human Siglec -7 and -9 were infected with WT GBS or a sialic acid deficient strain, ΔcpsK, and the ΔcpsK infected mice showed reduced bacterial burden and less dissemination. Using bone marrow-cultured MC from a transgenic mouse expressing Siglec-9, we confirmed that GBS interacts with MC Siglec-9, which inhibited the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. Challenge of primary human MC with WT, ΔcpsK, or ΔneuA, another sialic acid deficient GBS strain, showed that MC interact more with ΔcpsK and ΔneuA GBS, and that MC kill sialic acid deficient GBS. MC challenged with ΔcpsK or ΔneuA GBS also produce more IL-8 and undergo cell death more than WT infected MC. Together, this data shows that sialylated GBS capsule engages MC Siglec-9 to dampen activation, which reduces the immune response and benefits the pathogen.

Performances of two rapid LAMP-based techniques for the intrapartum detection of Group B Streptococcus vaginal colonization

PurposeGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of invasive infections in newborns. The prevention of GBS neonatal disease relies on the administration of an intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to GBS-colonized women. In recent years, rapid intrapartum detection of GBS vaginal colonization using real-time nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) emerged as an alternative to antenatal culture screening methods.MethodsWe compared the performances of two loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) tests, the Ampliflash® GBS and the PlusLife® GBS tests, to standard culture for GBS detection in vaginal specimens from pregnant women. The study was conducted from April to July 2023 in a French hospital of the Paris area.ResultsA total of 303 samples were analyzed, including 85 culture-positive samples (28.1%). The Ampliflash® GBS test and the PlusLife® GBS tests gave a result for 100% and 96.3% tests, respectively. The performances of the tests were as follows: sensitivity 87.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 78.3–92.6) and 98.7% (95% CI 93.0-99.8), specificity 99.1% (95% CI 96.7–99.8), and 91.9% (95% CI 87.3–95.0), respectively. False negative results of the Ampliflash® GBS test correlated with low-density GBS cultures. Time-to-results correlated with GBS culture density only for the PlusLife® GBS test (p < 0.001).ConclusionBoth techniques provide excellent analytical performances with high sensitivity and specificity together with a short turnaround time and results available in 10 to 35 min. Their potential to further reduce the burden of GBS neonatal disease compared with antenatal culture screening needs to be assessed in future clinical studies.

PERAWATAN LUKA UNTUK PENCEGAHAN INFEKSI PADA TALI PUSAT BAYI DI BPM BIDAN ANOVA SARAGIH, S.KEB

Carrying out umbilical cord care is very important to prevent infection. The aim of umbilical cord care is to prevent tetanus in newborn babies, so that the umbilical cord remains clean, germs do not enter so that infection does not occur in the baby's umbilical cord. Tetanus is caused by clostridium tetani, which is a germ that releases toxins (poison), which enters through the umbilical cord wound, due to unclean care or procedures. Providing midwifery care in the form of education to mothers about how to properly care for the umbilical cord to prevent infection in newborns in accordance with service standards for independent practicing midwives. The method used in this research method was written based on a case study report of midwifery care for newborns using a descriptive observational method with a midwifery care approach. Umbilical cord wound care is intended as an act of caring for and cleaning the umbilical cord, as well as to prevent infection in the baby's umbilical cord and speed up healing of wounds left by cutting the umbilical cord. Improper care for umbilical cord wounds in babies will result in infections that can result in death. This disease is caused by the entry of tetanus germ spores into the body through the umbilical cord, either from unsterile instruments, use of drugs, powders or leaves sprinkled on the umbilical cord which can cause infection.

Fungal microbiota in newborn infants with and without respiratory distress syndrome.

Pneumocytis jirovecii infection in preterm newborns has recently been associated with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Changes in the bacterial microbiota of the airways have also been described in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. However, until now there has been no information on the airway mycobiota in newborns. The purpose of this study was to describe the airway mycobiota in term and preterm newborns and its possible association with respiratory distress syndrome. Twenty-six matched preterm newborns with and without respiratory distress syndrome were studied, as well as 13 term babies. The identification of the fungal microbiota was carried out using molecular procedures in aspirated nasal samples at birth. The ascomycota phylum was identified in 89.7% of newborns, while the basidiomycota phylum was found in 33.3%. Cladosporium was the predominant genus in both term and preterm infants 38.4% vs. 73% without statistical differences. Candida sake and Pneumocystis jirovecii were only found in preterm infants, suggesting a potential relationship with the risk of prematurity. This is the first report to describe the fungal microbiota of the airways in term and preterm infants with and without respiratory distress syndrome. Although no differences have been observed, the number of cases analyzed could be small to obtain conclusive results, and more studies are needed to understand the role of the fungal microbiota of the airways in neonatal respiratory pathology.

Immunologic consequences of maternal HIV infection in the uninfected newborn

Immunologic consequences of maternal HIV infection in the uninfected newborn

Serostatus of Coxsackie B in a sample of women with miscarriage in Baghdad, Iraq.

The antibody that crosses transplacentally from mother to fetus is very important origin of protective passive immunity against infection neonatal with enterovirus. Important varieties of coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) are responsible for infections in newborns. The purpose from this study is to investigate in the prevalence of Coxsackie B virus in a sample of Iraqi women with miscarriage and potential role of miscarriage risk. Between November 2022 and June 2023, we included 91parturient women (gestational age: 4-20weeks) who were between the ages of 15 and 40. Every participant completed a questionnaire, and blood was drawn to assess maternal antibodies against CVB3. The blood seropositive rates were 46 out 91(50.54%), 2 out 46 were IgM positive (4.34%), (8-12weeks) 23 from 46 (50%) (p-value 0.0294) gestational age more frequent among aborted women that positive for anti-coxsackie B antibody, The 25-35age group was significantly overrepresented (51/91, 56%) compared to other age groups. This investigation posits Coxsackie B virus (CBV) as a possible etiology for miscarriage in the Iraqi female population. Further studies employing larger cohorts and robust methodologies, beyond the current detection technique, are warranted to corroborate these observations and elucidate the potential mechanisms by which CBV might induce miscarriage.