Phagocytic ability of neutrophils and monocytes in neonates

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Infections by a variety of pathogens are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality during perinatal period. The susceptibility of neonates to bacterial infections has been attributed to immaturity of innate immunity. It is considered that one of the impaired mechanisms is the phagocytic function of neutrophils and monocytes. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the phagocytic ability of neonates at birth.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The phagocytic ability of neutrophils and monocytes of 42 neonates was determined using the Phagotest flow cytometry method, that assesses the intake of <it>E. Coli </it>by phagocytes, in cord blood and in peripheral blood 3 days after birth. Fifteen healthy adults were included in the study as controls.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The phagocytic ability of neutrophils in the cord blood of neonates was significantly reduced compared to adults. The 3^rdpostnatal day the reduction of phagocytic ability of neutrophils was no longer significant compared to adults. The phagocytic ability of monocytes did not show any difference from that of adults either at birth or the 3^rdpostnatal day.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our findings indicate that the intake of <it>E. Coli </it>by phagocytes is impaired at birth in both preterm and full term neonates compared to adults. This defect is transient, with the phagocytic ability in neonates reaching that of the adults 3 days after birth.</p

Renal tuberculosis in infancy

We report a case of congenital renal tuberculosis in a 34-day-old child presenting as severe hematuria. Adequate antitubercular treatment may provide protection to fetus in subsequent pregnancies

Miliary Tuberculosis with Hemophagocytosis in a Two Months Old Infant

A two months old male infant, presented with fever, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia. On bone marrow aspirate, hemophagocytosis was noted. Trephine biopsy showed epithelioid granulomas. ZN stain AFB detected, which confirmed the diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis. This case highlights the rare association of hemophagocytic syndrome with tuberculosis in infancy