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The association of mannose-binding lectin 2 polymorphisms with outcome in very low birth weight infants

Annika Hartz1,2, Julia Pagel1,3, Alexander Humberg1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.

Plos One
|May 31, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency did not significantly increase infection risk in very-low-birth weight infants (VLBWI). However, infants with undetectable MBL levels born between 32-37 weeks gestation had higher sepsis rates.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neonatology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays a crucial role in innate immunity.
  • MBL deficiency has been controversially linked to infection susceptibility in preterm infants.
  • Very-low-birth weight infants (VLBWI) are particularly vulnerable to infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between genotype-based MBL levels and infection outcomes in VLBWI.
  • To clarify the role of MBL deficiency in sepsis and other infections in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of MBL2 gene variants (rs1800450, rs1800451, rs5030737) in 6878 VLBWI.
  • Categorization of MBL plasma levels into normal, low, or undetectable based on genotype.
  • Assessment of sepsis risk during hospitalization and infection burden at 24 months post-discharge.

Main Results:

  • No overall association between MBL levels and sepsis risk in the entire VLBWI cohort.
  • Infants with undetectable MBL levels born between 32 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation showed increased Gram-negative sepsis rates.
  • At 24 months, infants with undetectable MBL levels experienced higher rates of stomatitis and urinary tract infections.

Conclusions:

  • MBL2 deficiency has a limited impact on overall infection risk in VLBWI.
  • A specific subgroup of VLBWI, those born between 32-37 weeks gestation with undetectable MBL, face a heightened risk of certain infections.

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