[Recognition of bacterial infections in newborns by measuring specific antibody-titres (author's transl)]

Antibodies were measured in 172 unselected neonates against mixed polyvalent antigens derived from E. COLI, Klebsiella, Ps. aeruginosa and Proteus spp. respectively, using a modification of the indirect haemagglutination technique according to Neter. 120 of these neonates with no evidence of infection served as controls. 6 out of 8 children with proven E. coli septicaemia had either raised titres or significant rises in titre. Five further neonates with septicaemia, four due to Klebsiella and one to Pseudomonas, had pathologically raised titres as well. 8 out of 12 neonates with clinically suspected septicaemia in whom no pathogen was isolated from the blood or cerebrospinal fluid had raised antibody titres. Following premature rupture of the membranes 2 out of 3 neonates who subsequently developed proven E. coli septicaemia had raised antibody titres against E. coli even on the first day of life. These results suggest that the measurement of antibody titres can be a valuable aid to the diagnosis of neonatal septicaemia.