Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
08:46
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Genetic susceptibility to neonatal infection
1Department of Neonatal Paediatrics, King Edward Memorial Hospital, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases
|April 29, 2006
Summary
Neonates are highly susceptible to infections due to genetic factors influencing their immune response. Research into genetic variations, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha polymorphisms, may reveal protective pathways to reduce neonatal mortality.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Neonates exhibit striking susceptibility to infectious diseases and adverse outcomes.
- The underlying causes for this vulnerability remain incompletely understood.
- Genetic factors are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to neonatal immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on genetic factors influencing neonatal susceptibility to infections.
- To explore the role of genetic variations in innate immune response pathways.
- To identify potential genetic determinants of other inflammatory neonatal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genetic epidemiologic studies.
- Analysis of associations between gene polymorphisms and neonatal infection risk.
- Synthesis of findings on specific immune-related genes, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6.
Main Results:
- Several genetic variants in innate immune response genes are linked to differential neonatal infection risk.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha polymorphisms show the most consistent associations.
- Findings for interleukin-6 polymorphisms are conflicting; genetic variation may affect immunologic maturation pace.
Conclusions:
- The precise reasons for neonatal susceptibility to infection are still unclear.
- Genetic epidemiologic studies are crucial for identifying protective and pathogenic pathways.
- Further research is needed to develop interventions targeting genetic factors to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...