Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Risk factors for infectious disease death among infants in the United States
Marissa K Person1, Douglas H Esposito, Robert C Holman
1From the *Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology; †Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and ‡Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.
Insights
Infectious diseases caused 3843 infant deaths in the US (2008-2009). Risk factors include low birth weight, male sex, young maternal age, and lower Apgar scores, highlighting areas for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Infectious diseases (IDs) represent a significant cause of infant mortality in the United States.
- Understanding the characteristics associated with infant deaths due to IDs is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe maternal and infant characteristics linked to infant deaths caused by infectious diseases in the US.
- To identify specific risk factors for infant ID deaths in both low birth weight (LBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) infants.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the 2008-2009 Period Linked Birth/Infant Death data files for analysis.
- Conducted a retrospective case-control study, defining controls as infants surviving the birth year.
- Employed multivariable logistic regression to determine risk factors for infant ID deaths.
Main Results:
- An estimated 3843 infant deaths were attributed to IDs from 2008-2009, with a rate of 47.5 per 100,000 live births.
- ID mortality rates were substantially higher for LBW infants (514.8/100,000) compared to NBW infants (15.5/100,000).
- Associated risk factors included male sex, younger maternal age, high birth order, low Apgar scores, Black maternal race (for LBW), and unmarried mothers (for NBW).
Conclusions:
- Identifying these associations is key to developing targeted strategies.
- Further measures are needed to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with infant infectious diseases.
Background:
Infectious diseases (IDs) are an important cause of infant mortality in the United States. This study describes maternal and infant characteristics associated with infant ID deaths in the United States.
Methods:
Infant deaths with an ID underlying cause of death occurring in the United States were examined using the 2008-2009 Period Linked Birth/Infant Death public use data files. Average annual ID infant mortality rates for singleton infants were calculated. A retrospective case-control study was conducted to determine infant and maternal risk factors for infant ID death among low (LBW) and normal (NBW) birth weight groups. Controls were defined as infants surviving to the end of their birth year. Risk factors for infant ID deaths were determined through multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
An estimated 3843 infant ID deaths occurred in the United States during 2008-2009, an overall ID infant mortality rate of 47.5 deaths per 100,000 live births. The mortality rate for LBW and NBW infants were 514.8 and 15.5, respectively. Male sex, younger maternal age (<25 years), a live birth order of fourth or more and low 5-minute Apgar score were associated with increased ID death among LBW and NBW infants. Additionally, black maternal race was associated with increased ID death among LBW infants, and having an unmarried mother was associated with increased ID death among NBW infants.
Conclusions:
Awareness of associations with infant ID death should help in development of further strategic measures to reduce infant ID morbidity and mortality.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
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...
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
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...
01:20Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
01:30Development of Human Microbiota