Performance and incidence of diarrhea in suckling Jersey calves supplemented with mineral-vitamin complex and Virginiamycin.

The rearing of calves is an essential activity of a dairy system, as it impacts the future production of these animals. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of diarrhea, performance, and blood parameters of suckling calves that received mineral-vitamin supplementation in milk plus virginiamycin that was offered in milk (via the abomasum) or by esophageal tube (via the rumen). Twenty-seven calves were used, from the first week to 60 days of age, submitted to the following treatments: CONTROL, without supplementation; MILK, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex with 100 mg of virginiamycin, diluted in milk; RUMEN, supplementation of 20 g of a mineral-vitamin complex diluted in milk and 100 mg of virginiamycin in gelatin capsules via an esophageal applicator. MILK and RUMEN calves had lower fecal consistency scoring, fewer days with scores 2 and 3 throughout the experimental period, and lower spending on medication compared to the CONTROL animals. Supplemented calves had higher fat and protein intake and reached feed intake of 600 g earlier than CONTROL animals, but did not differ in performance and hematological parameters. Supplementation with virginiamycin and vitamin-mineral complex for suckling calves reduced the incidence and days of diarrhea, and reduced medication costs, with no difference in performance, but the supplemented animals had higher initial protein and fat intake and reached targeted feed intake earlier to begin the weaning process.

Omphalitis as a presentation of multiple liver abscesses in a term neonate.

We report a case of term neonate presenting with purulent and foul-smelling discharge from the umbilicus, later investigated to have multiple non-drainable, sterile liver micro-abscesses. Conservative management was continued with intravenous antibiotics, after completion of a total of six weeks of antibiotics, all liver abscesses resolved and the baby was discharged.

Transient Neonatal Myasthenia Gravis as a Common Complication of a Rare Disease: A Systematic Review.

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease. Transient neonatal myasthenia gravis (TNMG) is caused by pathogenic maternal autoantibodies that cross the placenta and disrupt signaling at the neuromuscular junction. This is a systematic review of this transient immunoglobulin G (IgG)-mediated disease. TNMG affects 10-20% of children born to mothers with MG. The severity of symptoms ranges from minor feeding difficulties to life-threatening respiratory weakness. Minor symptoms might go unnoticed but can still interfere with breastfeeding. Acetylcholine-esterase inhibitors and antibody-clearing therapies such as immunoglobulins can be used to treat TNMG, but most children do well with observation only. TNMG is self-limiting within weeks as circulating antibodies are naturally cleared from the blood. In rare cases, TNMG is associated with permanent skeletal malformations or permanent myopathy. The mother's antibodies can also lead to spontaneous abortions. All healthcare professionals meeting pregnant or birthing women with MG or their neonates should be aware of TNMG. TNMG is hard to predict. Reoccurrence is common among siblings. Pre-pregnancy thymectomy and intravenous immunoglobulins during pregnancy reduce the risk. Neonatal fragment crystallizable receptor (FcRn) blocking drugs for MG might reduce TNMG risk.

Newborns with congenital complete heart block: Advice for perinatal care providers.

Congenital complete heart block (CCHB) is a rare, but a potentially life-threatening manifestation of autoimmune diseases in neonates. Bradycardia in CCHB can be misdiagnosed as foetal distress in utero and thus precipitating a Caesarean section. We report a case series of three neonates with bradycardia without any electrolyte abnormalities and structurally normal hearts with favourable outcomes.

Surfactant for the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in very low birth weight infants at a level 2 hospital: A descriptive retrospective cohort study - safety and efficacy.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is common and is a leading cause of death in pre-term infants. The purpose of our study is to describe the demographics and incidence of adverse events in very low birth weight (VLBW) pre-term infants with RDS treated with surfactant at George, a level 2 Hospital in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. This was a retrospective observational study. We conducted an electronic folder review of infants with a birth weight of 800-1200 g treated during the study period 2017-2019 at George Regional Hospital. Outborn infants and those with congenital abnormalities were excluded. The total number of patients included in the study was 66. The mortality rate was 25.8% (17/66). The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was 6% (4/66). Our study showed that the outcomes of VLBW infants treated with surfactant at level 2 hospitals are comparable to South African central hospitals.

The Emerging Roles of Ferroptosis in Neonatal Diseases.

Ferroptosis is a novel type of programmed cell death involved in many diseases' pathological processes. Ferroptosis is characterized by lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and iron metabolism disorder. Newborns are susceptible to ferroptosis due to their special physiological state, which is prone to abnormal iron metabolism and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Recent studies have linked ferroptosis to a variety of diseases in the neonatal period (including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotizing enterocolitis). Ferroptosis may become an effective target for the treatment of neonatal-related diseases. In this review, the ferroptosis molecular mechanism, metabolism characteristics of iron and reactive oxygen species in infants, the relationship between ferroptosis and common infant disorders, and the treatment of infant diseases targeted for ferroptosis are systematically summarized.

Factores de riesgo asociados a estancia hospitalaria prolongada en cuidados intensivos neonatales: Un estudio de casos y controles

Objetivo: Identificar las patologías o condiciones neonatales que influyen en la prolongación de la estancia hospitalaria en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales (UCIN). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, de casos y controles; en neonatos hospitalizados de la UCIN, durante el periodo 2015 - 2019, considerando sus diagnósticos perinatales y posnatales como factores a evaluar, así como la estancia hospitalaria. Se dividieron dos grupos: casos (estancia prolongada) y controles (estancia no prolongada). Los datos recolectados fueron procesados en el programa SPSS v.23 obteniendo el OR y la Regresión Logística Binaria. Resultados: Se incluyeron 361 neonatos (91 casos y 270 controles), encontrándose significancia en factores perinatales (p<0.05): Peso al nacer (1000g a <1500g, ORa 8.2: IC3.1 - 21.2) y edad gestacional (28 a 31 sem., ORa 18.6: IC4.8-71.4; 32-33 sem, ORa 8.1: IC3.5 - 18.4); y factores posnatales (p<0.05): Síndrome de distrés respiratorio (ORa 10.3:IC 4.8-22.2), Hipertensión pulmonar persistente (OR 32.2:IC 1.8-559.0), sepsis (ORa 7.1: IC 3.1-16.0), Malnutrición neonatal (ORa 10.2:IC 4.7-22.1) y anemia del prematuro (ORa 8.3:IC 2.4-28.1). No alcanzaron significancia: asfixia, taquipnea transitoria del recién nacido, neumonía, neumotórax, displasia broncopulmonar, síndrome de aspiración meconial, conducto arterioso persistente, cardiopatía congénita, hiperbilirrubinemia, hipoglicemia, enterocolitis necrotizante y apnea del prematuro. Conclusiones: El peso al nacer, edad gestacional, Síndrome de distrés respiratorio, Hipertensión pulmonar persistente, sepsis, malnutrición neonatal y anemia del prematuro son factores de riesgo para estancia hospitalaria prolongada.

Objective: Identify neonatal pathologies or conditions that influence the prolongation of hospital stay in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Materials and methods: An observational, retrospective, case-control study was carried out; in neonates hospitalized in the NICU, during the period 2015-2019, considering their perinatal and postnatal diagnoses as factors to be evaluated, as well as hospital stay. Two groups were divided: cases (prolonged stay) and controls (non-prolonged stay). The collected data were processed in the SPSS v.23 program, obtaining the OR and the Binary Logistic Regression. Results: 361 neonates (91 cases and 270 controls) were included, finding significance in perinatal factors (p<0.05): Birth weight (1000g to <1500g, ORa 8.2: CI3.1 - 21.2) and gestational age (28 to 31 weeks , ORa 18.6: CI4.8-71.4; 32-33 weeks, ORa 8.1: CI3.5 - 18.4); and postnatal factors (p<0.05): RDS (ORa 10.3: CI 4.8-22.2), PHT (OR 32.2: CI 1.8-559.0), sepsis (ORa 7.1: CI 3.1-16.0), Neonatal malnutrition (ORa 10.2: CI 4.7 -22.1) and anemia of prematurity (aOR 8.3: CI 2.4-28.1). The following did not reach significance: asphyxia, transient tachypnea of ​​the newborn, pneumonia, pneumothorax, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, meconium aspiration syndrome, patent ductus arteriosus, congenital heart disease, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and apnea of ​​prematurity. Conclusions: Birth weight, gestational age, RDS, PHPT, sepsis, neonatal malnutrition and anemia of prematurity are risk factors for prolonged hospital stay.

Varied presentations of congenital dengue infection in neonates.

Dengue fever is a common viral infection in the tropics and is prevalent in Southeast Asia. Dengue infection is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the perinatal period. Transplacental transfer of dengue infection is rare. Here we report of four such cases.

Prenatal exposure to phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers on neonatal health: A birth cohort study in Guangxi, China.

Few epidemiological studies have focused on prenatal phthalates (PAEs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) exposure to neonatal health in China. This study aimed to assess the associations between prenatal PAEs and PBDEs exposure and neonatal health in Guangxi, a Zhuang autonomous region of China. Concentrations of 4 PAEs metabolites (mPAEs) and 5 PBDEs congeners were measured in the serum of 267 healthy pregnant women. Birth outcomes and clinical data of neonates were collected after delivery. Mono-(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) (81.52%) and BDE47 (35.21%) were the mPAEs and PBDEs congeners with the highest detection rate in serum. Prenatal exposures to mono-n-butyl phthalate (MBP), MEHP, and ΣmPAEs were negatively associated with birth weight (BW), birth length (BL), and gestational age (GA). Higher exposures to MBP, MEHP, and ΣmPAEs were associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) for low birth weight (LBW), but exposure to BDE28 exhibited the opposite effect. Moreover, higher exposures to MBP, MEHP, ΣmPAEs, BDE99, and ΣPBDEswere associated with an increased OR for premature birth (PTB) (P < 0.05). In contrast to MBP exposure, BDE28 exposure was associated with a higher OR for neonatal jaundice (NNJ) (P < 0.05). The interaction analysis showed a positive interaction between monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and BDE28 on the risk of NNJ and positive interaction between ΣmPAEs and BDE47 on the risk of NNJ. In addition, there are ethnicity-specific associations of prenatal PBDEs exposure with neonatal health in individuals of Zhuang and Han nationalities, and boy neonates were more sensitive to prenatal PBDEs exposure than girl neonates. The results revealed that prenatal exposure to mPAEs and PBDEs might have adverse effects on neonatal development, and the effects might be ethnicity- and sex-specific.

Measurement of the burdens of neonatal disorders in 204 countries, 1990-2019: a global burden of disease-based study.

Background: Neonatal disorders are facing serious public health challenges. Previous studies were based on limited data sources and had a narrow geographical scope. We aim to understand the trends of alteration in the burden of neonatal disorders from 1990 to 2019 in 204 countries and territories. Methods: Data were investigated from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. First, we visualized the burden of neonatal disorders using the number of cases and the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), death rate (ASDR), and disability-adjusted life years (ASR-DALYs) from 1990 to 2019. Second, estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were used to evaluate the temporal trends of disease burden during different periods. Finally, the sociodemographic index (SDI) and human development index (HDI) were used to determine whether there exists a correlation between socioeconomic development level, human development level, and potential burden consequences. Results: Overall, in the past 30 years, the ASIR trends have remained relatively steady, whereas the ASDR and ASR-DALYs have declined. However, the burden of neonatal disorders varied greatly in various regions and countries. Among 21 regions, the ASIR trend had the largest increase in Central Latin America (EAPC = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.33-0.50). Conversely, the ASDR and ASR-DALYs experienced the largest decrease in Central Europe (EAPC = -5.10, 95%CI = -5.28 to 4.93) and East Asia (EAPC = -4.07, 95%CI = -4.41 to 3.73), respectively. Among 204 countries, the ASIR (EAPC = 3.35, 95%CI = 3.13-3.56) trend in Greece displayed the most significant increase, while the ASDR (EAPC = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.01-1.50) and ASR-DALYs (EAPC = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.03-1.49) trends in Dominica experienced the most substantial increase. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between the EAPCs in ASIR, ASDR, ASR-DALYs, and SDI or HDI in 2019, with some exceptions. In addition, countries with elevated levels of HDI experienced a faster increase in ASDR and ASR-DALYs for neonatal disorders. Conclusion: Although the burden of neonatal disorders shows a downward trend from 1990 to 2019, it is still not optimistic. It is necessary to implement a multi-pronged approach to reduce the increasing burden of neonatal disorders.

Detección clonal de cepas parentales de streptococcus agalactiae Lehmann y Neumann por amplificación aleatoria de ADN polimórfico / Clonal detection of streptococcus agalactiae Lehmann and Neumann parental strains by random amplification of polymorphic DNA

RESUMEN Streptococcus agalactiae (SGB) produce infecciones invasivas en neonatos siendo la transmisión materna la más frecuente. Estudios epidemiológicos utilizan técnicas moleculares que evalúan la diversidad genética, entre ellas la de amplificación aleatoria de ADN polimórfico (RAPD) que resulta ser accesible, sensible y utiliza cebadores arbitrarios para amplificar segmentos polimórficos de ADN mediante PCR. El objetivo fue determinar la relación clonal entre aislamientos de SGB recuperados de madres y sus respectivos recién nacidos. Se estudiaron por RAPD cuatro parejas de aislamientos de SGB obtenidos de hisopados vagino-rectales de madres y de hemocultivos de sus neonatos. Se utilizaron los cebadores OPS11, OPB17 y OPB18 para seleccionar uno con capacidad de discriminar entre cepas no relacionadas genéticamente. Se utilizó la fórmula de Hunter-Gaston que establece el índice de discriminación (D), cuando D>0,90 se considera que los aislamientos pertenecen a clones diferentes. Los perfiles de amplificación para los ocho aislamientos, empleando independientemente cada cebador, permitieron calcular un D=1 para OPS11, y D=0,84 para OPB17 y OPB18. Por lo tanto, OPS11 fue seleccionado para el estudio de la relación clonal de los aislamientos, encontrándose perfiles de amplificación similares por RAPD para cada par de cepas madre-recién nacido. Se observaron diferentes perfiles de amplificación entre los pares de cepas madre-recién nacido, lo que revela la discriminación entre cepas no relacionadas, resultados confirmados por electroforesis en campo pulsante (PFGE). Estos resultados indican transmisión vertical para cada caso estudiado y robustez del cebador OPS11. Se encontraron condiciones apropiadas del ensayo de RAPD, lo que es útil para estudios epidemiológicos.

ABSTRACT Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) causes invasive infections in newborns, being the most frequent the maternal transmission. Epidemiological studies use molecular techniques that assess genetic diversity, including random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) that is found to be accessible, sensitive and uses arbitrary primers to amplify polymorphic segments of DNA by PCR. The objective was to determine the clonal relationship between GBS strains recovered from mothers and their respective newborns. Four pairs of GBS isolates obtained from vaginal-rectal swabs of mothers and blood cultures of their newborns were studied with RAPD. Primers OPS11, OPB17 and OPB18 were used to select one with the ability to discriminate between non-genetically related strains. The Hunter-Gaston formula that establishes the discrimination index (D) was used; when D>0.90, it is considered that the isolates belong to different clones. The amplification profiles for the eight isolates, using each primer independently, allowed to calculate a D=1 for OPS11, and D=0.84 for OPB17 and OPB18. Therefore, OPS11 was selected for the study of the clonal relationship of the isolates, and similar amplification profiles were found by RAPD for each mother-newborn pair of GBS isolates. Different amplification profiles were observed between pairs of mother-newborn strains, which reveals the discrimination between unrelated strains, confirmed by pulsating field electrophoresis (PFGE). These results indicated vertical transmission for each studied case and robustness of the OPS11 primer. Appropriate conditions of the RAPD trial were found, which is useful for epidemiological studies.

Re-visiting micro ESR as a screening tool for neonatal sepsis.

Our study evaluated the role of micro-erythrocte sedimentation rate (micro-ESR) in the early detection of neonatal sepsis.Neonates with >34 completed weeks of gestation, appropriate for gestational age, admitted in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with clinical suspicion of early onset sepsis were enrolled in the study. A sepsis screen and blood culture was performed on all the babies within 4 h of admission. The sensitivity of micro-ESR for detecting positive blood culture was calculated and the best cut-off was determined using the Area Under Curve.

A group B Streptococcus alpha-like protein subunit vaccine induces functionally active antibodies in humans targeting homotypic and heterotypic strains.

Maternal vaccination is a promising strategy for preventing neonatal disease caused by group B Streptococcus. The safety and immunogenicity of the prototype vaccine GBS-NN, a fusion protein consisting of the N-terminal domains of the alpha-like proteins (Alp) αC and Rib, were recently evaluated favorably in healthy adult women in a phase 1 trial. Here we demonstrate robust immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses against αC and Rib, as well as against the heterotypic Alp family members Alp1-Alp3. IgA and heterotypic IgG responses are more variable between subjects and correlate with pre-existing immunity. Vaccine-induced IgG mediates opsonophagocytic killing and prevents bacterial invasion of epithelial cells. Like the vaccine-induced response, naturally acquired IgG against the vaccine domains is dominated by IgG1. Consistent with the high IgG1 cross-placental transfer rate, naturally acquired IgG against both domains reaches higher concentrations in neonatal than maternal blood, as assessed in a separate group of non-vaccinated pregnant women and their babies.

Screening strategy and genetic mutation analysis of citrin deficiency among newborns in Xuzhou / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the incidence, clinical features and genetic mutation profiles of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD) using screening strategy.Methods:From September 2015 to September 2020, neonates in Xuzhou area were prospectively screened for genetic metabolic diseases using tandem mass spectrometry. Suspected infants were further confirmed using urinary organic acid test and SLC25A13 gene mutation analysis. The clinical manifestations, biochemical and gene mutation results, treatment and prognosis of the confirmed cases were analyzed.Results:A total of 468,494 live-birth newborns were screened with 112 cases suspected and 95 cases received urinary organic acid test and SLC25A13 gene mutation analysis. 13 cases of NICCD were diagnosed with a prevalence of 1/36,038. Most confirmed cases presented with delayed disappearance of neonatal jaundice, feeding difficulties and poor weight gain. Biochemical changes included increased bile acid, abnormal liver enzymes, increased alpha-fetoprotein, hypoglycemia, decreased hemoglobin, abnormal coagulation function and increased blood ammonia. Tandem mass spectrometry showed increased citrulline, methionine, arginine, tyrosine and phenylalanine, and in some cases with slightly increased acylcarnitine. Urine organic acid analysis mainly showed increased 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate. All confirmed cases received genetic mutation tests and a total of 13 mutation loci were detected, including c.852_855delTATG, c.511dupG, c.1638_1660dup, IVS16ins3kb, c.1078C>T, c. 615+5G>A, c.742G>A, c.44G>A, c.1311+1G>A, c.1399C>T, c.889G>T, c.1177+1G>A, c.1841+3_1841+4del, among which, c.852_855delTATG was the most common one. A total of 5 novel mutation loci were discovered in this study with c.1841+3_1841+4del, c.511dupG and c.889G>T predicted as pathogenic variants. Special formula of lactose-free and fortified medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) were used in confirmed cases and most of the symptoms were relieved within 1 year and abnormal indicators significantly improved.Conclusions:The prevalence of NICCD in Xuzhou was 1/36,038. c.852_855delTATG mutation is the most frequent one. Five novel mutation loci are discovered, expanding the SLC25A13 gene mutation spectrum. Most infants with NICCD have a good prognosis, requiring early diagnosis, treatment and life-long follow-up.

Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of isobutyryl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency in Xuzhou:population screening results / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the clinical features and genetic characteristics of isobutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (IBDD) of neonates in Xuzhou area.Methods:From October 2016 to October 2021, neonates diagnosed with IBDD using tandem mass spectrometry in Xuzhou area were retrospectively studied. Their clinical phenotypes and genotypes, clinical diagnosis, treatment and follow-up were analyzed.Results:A total of 510 057 neonates were screened and 10 cases of IBDD were diagnosed. The 10 IBDD cases showed increased butyryl carnitine (C4), C4/C2 and C4/C3 during screening and follow-up tests. One case had transient elevated transaminase and one case showed delayed language development. The other 8 cases were otherwise normal. A total of 16 mutation loci of acyl-CoA dehydrogenase 8 (ACAD8) gene were found, including 10 unreported loci: c.567+8C>T, c.213G>T, c.553C>T, c.1190T>C, c.1060G>A, c.494G>A, c.771C>A, c.962A>T, c.715A>G and c.731G>A. Genetic mutations were found in Exon 3, Exon 4, Exon 5, Intron 5, Exon 7, Exon 9 and Exon 10. The hot spots of mutations were c.1176G>T, c. 286G>A and c.1000C>T.Conclusions:IBDD is a rare disease without specific clinical manifestations. Neonatal metabolic disease screening combined with urinary organic acid tests and genetic sequencing can be used for early detection and diagnosis of IBDD. No serious adverse outcome is found in IBDD patients during short-term follow-up, however, long-term follow-up is recommended.

Quality monitoring and evaluation of neonatal diseasescreening in Zhejiang Province / 预防医学

Abstract@#Neonatal disease screening is a major tool for prevention of birth defects, and monitoring and evaluation of neonatal disease screening facilitates the improvements in screening quality and efficiency. A strict quality control of screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of neonatal diseases is performed in Zhejiang Provincial Center for Quality Control of Neonatal Disease Screening. In this study, the data pertaining to screening of neonatal inherited metabolic diseases, hearing loss and congenital heart diseases were collected in Zhejiang Province from 2018 to 2020, and the screening rate, recall rate of suspected screening-positive neonates, and detection rate of diseases were calculated to assess the quality of neonatal disease screening. The screening rate and recall rate of neonatal inherited metabolic diseases, hearing loss and congenital heart diseases were high in Zhejiang Province, and the detection of screened diseases was stable, indicating a high overall quality of neonatal disease screening. Increasing the impact of neonatal disease screening and consolidating the screening achievements should be given a high priority during the future quality control of neonatal disease screening in Zhejiang Province.

Relationship between AB0 blood groups and selected pregnancy conditions and neonatal diseases.

The influence of the blood group on the occurrence and severity of diseases has aroused the curiosity of scientists for many years. The AB0 group system is the best known and described blood group system. It is also the only system whose antibodies are constantly present in the blood serum. The most common blood type in Poland, according to data provided by Honorary blood donation and blood therapy, is group A Rh+ (plus), while the least common is group AB Rh- (minus). In studies of pregnant women scientists discovered the influence of blood type in the development of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, the risk of preterm labor, and even COVID-19 infection. The impact of the mothers' blood group also affects the birth weight of newborns, as well as the development of hemolytic disease of the newborn due to the heterospecificity of AB0. The influence of the blood group on the increased risk of developing certain diseases and complications of the neonatal period has also been proven. Therefore, it seems important to study blood groups of pregnant women and newborns of different nationalities, correlate the results with available reports and use this knowledge in everyday clinical practice. This will help to increase the speed of detection of diseases in pregnancy and neonatal period. It will also facilitate the management of the patient depending on their blood group.

Colonization Rate of Potential Neonatal Disease-Causing Bacteria, Associated Factors, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile Among Pregnant Women Attending Government Hospitals in Hawassa, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal colonization with some species of bacteria during the last term of pregnancy can affect the health of fetuses and newborns resulting in high morbidity and mortality among newborns. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the colonization rate of potential neonatal disease-causing bacteria, factors associated with colonization rate, and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of bacteria among pregnant women. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women from October 13 to December 28, 2020, at government hospitals located in Hawassa, Ethiopia. Background data were captured using a structured questionnaire. Vaginal swabs were collected to isolate bacteria using the standard method. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Factors that could predict vaginal colonization with potential neonatal disease-causing bacteria were determined using logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall bacterial colonization rate among pregnant women was 271 (98.9%) 95 CI (97.4‒100.1). The prevalence of potential neonatal disease-causing bacteria was 95 (34.7%) 95 CI (28.8‒40.1). The proportion of potential neonatal disease-causing bacteria were as follows: Escherichia coli (n=82, 29.9%), Acinetobacter species (n=9, 3.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (n=7. 2.6%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=4, 1.5%). Pregnant women with a gestational age of 38‒40 weeks were 1.9 times (AOR= 1.9, 95% CI= 1.0-3.4, p=0.04) were more likely to be colonized by potential neonatal disease-causing bacteria. All E. coli, Klebsiella species, and Acinetobacter species were susceptible to gentamicin and imipenem. All S. aureus were susceptible to penicillin, tetracycline, clindamycin, and erythromycin. CONCLUSION: High proportion of pregnant women in this study were colonized with potential neonatal disease-causing bacteria. E. coli was the predominant bacteria. Most bacteria isolated in this study were susceptible to antimicrobial agents tested. Gestational age was significantly associated with the colonization rate of potential neonatal disease-causing bacteria.

Potential Prenatal Origins of Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious and yet incompletely understood gastrointestinal disease of infancy that predominately impacts premature neonates. Prevention is a key strategy for the management of necrotizing enterocolitis. Although postnatal risk factors have been the focus of prevention efforts, obstetric complications, including intrauterine inflammation and infection, growth restriction, preeclampsia, and prenatal medications, have been associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. This article reviews the evidence behind the prenatal risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis, and discusses how these risk factors may elucidate the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis and provide insight into prevention and treatment.