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Umbilical cord mannan-binding lectin and infections in early childhood
S Kielgast1, S Thiel, T B Henriksen
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark. sif@kilgast.dk
Insights
Low mannan-binding lectin (MBL) levels in umbilical cord blood (UCB) are linked to increased hospitalizations for infections in early childhood, especially viral infections. This finding highlights MBL
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a key component of the innate immune system.
- MBL plays a role in early defense against pathogens.
- Understanding MBL's role in early childhood infections is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if mannan-binding lectin (MBL) concentration in umbilical cord blood (UCB) correlates with infection-related hospitalizations in early childhood.
- To investigate the association between MBL levels and general hospitalizations, as well as specific types of infections.
Main Methods:
- A prospective follow-up study of 2104 infants from birth to 31 months.
- MBL and immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations in UCB were measured using time-resolved immunofluorometric assay.
- Hospitalization data were obtained from the Danish National Hospital Discharge Registry; confounding factors were collected via questionnaires and midwife records.
Main Results:
- Children with low MBL levels (<120 ng/ml) in UCB had a 1.4 times higher hazard ratio (HR) for hospitalization with infections.
- Low MBL levels were also associated with a 2.8 times higher HR for hospitalization specifically due to viral infections.
- The association between low MBL and hospitalization was observed for both infections and other diseases.
Conclusions:
- Low levels of mannan-binding lectin in umbilical cord blood are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for infections during early childhood.
- This association is particularly pronounced for viral infections, suggesting a critical role for MBL in early defense against these pathogens.
- MBL levels in UCB may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting susceptibility to infections in infants.
Abstract:
To investigate whether mannan-binding lectin (MBL) in umbilical cord blood (UCB) is associated with the incidence rate of hospitalizations for infections during early childhood. A follow-up study from birth to 31 months of age, with endpoint data from the Danish National Hospital Discharge Registry. The concentration of MBL and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in UCB was measured in a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay. Information on possible confounding factors was obtained from questionnaires completed by mothers during their pregnancy, and characteristics of the child at birth were registered by a midwife on a structured coding sheet. A total of 2104 infants born in the period between 1 February 1990 and 25 May 1991 to mothers living in the municipality of Aarhus. Concentration of MBL and IgA in UCB, gestational age, birth weight, number of siblings less than 3 years old, mother's smoking habits, alcohol and coffee consumption, educational and marital status and previous spontaneous abortions and stillbirths. Of 2104 children, 626 were hospitalized at least once, and 346 of these were hospitalized with infection. The hazard ratio (HR) of hospitalization with infections in children with low levels of MBL (<120 ng/ml) was 1.4 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-1.8), which was similar to our findings on hospitalization because of other diseases. The HR of hospitalization for viral infections was 2.8 (CI, 1.3-5.9). Low levels of MBL in UCB were associated with hospitalization in general and particularly with hospitalization for viral infections.