Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

Low serum levels of mannose binding lectin are a risk factor for neonatal sepsis

Fabrizio de Benedetti1, Cinzia Auriti, Leila E D'Urbano

  • 1Scientific Direction, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital-IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy. debenedetti@opbg.net

Pediatric Research
|February 23, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Low serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels in neonates admitted to the NICU are associated with an increased risk of developing sepsis. Measuring MBL may help identify high-risk infants for early intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key component of innate immunity, recognizing and binding pathogens.
  • MBL plays a crucial role in the early defense against infections, particularly in vulnerable populations like neonates.
  • Low MBL levels have been hypothesized to increase susceptibility to infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels and the development of sepsis in infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
  • To determine if MBL levels can serve as a predictive biomarker for sepsis in neonates.

Main Methods:

  • Serum MBL levels were measured using ELISA in 206 neonates admitted to an NICU.
  • Infants were categorized into groups with and without sepsis, including confirmed sepsis, clinically suspected sepsis, and sepsis with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) positive blood cultures.
  • Statistical analysis, including adjustment for gestational age and birth weight, was performed to assess the association between MBL levels and sepsis development.

Main Results:

  • Serum MBL levels on admission were significantly lower in infants who developed sepsis compared to those who did not.
  • Infants with confirmed sepsis or CoNS-positive blood cultures exhibited particularly low MBL levels.
  • Low MBL levels remained a significant predictor of sepsis development after adjusting for gestational age and birth weight (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.36-0.75).

Conclusions:

  • Serum MBL levels on admission are a potential biomarker for identifying neonates at higher risk of developing sepsis in the NICU.
  • Early measurement of MBL may facilitate timely interventions and improve outcomes for at-risk infants.
  • Further research could explore therapeutic strategies targeting MBL to prevent or treat neonatal sepsis.

More Related Videos

A Controlled Mouse Model for Neonatal Polymicrobial Sepsis14:54

A Controlled Mouse Model for Neonatal Polymicrobial Sepsis

Published on: January 27, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...