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Reduced lymphocyte-mediated antifungal capacity in high-risk infants

Linda Witek-Janusek1, Maliha J Shareef, Herbert L Mathews

  • 1Department of Maternal-Child Health, Loyola University of Chicago, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|June 29, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Premature infants exhibit reduced lymphocyte antifungal capacity against Candida albicans, impacting their susceptibility. Gestational age is the primary predictor of this impaired immune response in neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neonatology
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Premature and critically ill infants face heightened susceptibility to Candida albicans infections.
  • Candida albicans poses a significant threat to vulnerable neonatal populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the lymphocyte-mediated antifungal capacity in infants.
  • To determine the relationship between infant factors (birth weight, prematurity, illness severity) and antifungal immune function.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed lymphocyte-mediated growth inhibition of Candida albicans.
  • Measured lymphocyte adhesion to Candida albicans.
  • Correlated immune function with birth weight, gestational age, and Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP).

Main Results:

  • Lymphocytes from preterm and low-birth weight infants showed significantly reduced inhibition and adhesion to Candida albicans.
  • Infants with higher illness severity (SNAP score ≥10) had diminished antifungal capacity and fungal adhesion.
  • Gestational age was the strongest predictor of both lymphocyte-mediated growth inhibition and fungal adhesion.

Conclusions:

  • Infant gestational age is a critical determinant of lymphocyte-mediated antifungal immunity.
  • Reduced lymphocyte antifungal capacity and adhesion in preterm and ill infants may contribute to increased Candida albicans susceptibility.
  • Immune function in neonates is significantly influenced by prematurity and illness severity.

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