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Updated: Aug 4, 2026
Measurement of Chitinase Activity in Biological Samples
Published on: August 22, 2019
Chitotriosidase in neonates with fungal and bacterial infections
I Labadaridis1, E Dimitriou, M Theodorakis
1Institute of Child Health, Agia Sophia Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
Increased plasma and/or urine chitotriosidase activity was found in neonates with fungal infection changing in parallel with their clinical condition. Increased levels were also found in neonates with bacterial infection. Chitotriosidase activity increase is not a response specific to fungi, but serial assays could monitor the course of neonatal fungal infection.
Insights
Chitotriosidase activity in neonates increases with fungal infections, mirroring clinical status. While not specific to fungi, serial tests can track neonatal fungal infection progression.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chitotriosidase is an enzyme implicated in host defense.
- Elevated chitotriosidase activity has been observed in various inflammatory and infectious conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diagnostic and monitoring utility of chitotriosidase activity in neonatal infections.
- To determine if chitotriosidase activity can differentiate between fungal and bacterial infections in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of plasma and urine chitotriosidase activity in neonates.
- Correlation of enzyme activity with clinical condition and causative pathogen (fungal or bacterial).
Main Results:
- Increased plasma and/or urine chitotriosidase activity was observed in neonates with fungal infections.
- Enzyme activity levels changed in parallel with the clinical condition of infected neonates.
- Elevated chitotriosidase activity was also detected in neonates with bacterial infections, indicating a lack of specificity.
Conclusions:
- Chitotriosidase activity is a sensitive, but not specific, marker for neonatal infections.
- Serial measurement of chitotriosidase activity may be valuable for monitoring the clinical course of neonatal fungal infections.
