Deficiency of neutrophil bactericidal activity in term and preterm infants. A longitudinal study

The present longitudinal study of 40 healthy term infants and 20 preterm infants shows that neutrophil bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis is transiently but significantly impaired in term infants during the 1st week of life. The deficiency is more severe and prolonged in preterm infants, and may contribute to the neonate's increased susceptibility to infections.