Biomarkers of epidermal innate immunity in premature and full-term infants.

Epidermal innate immunity is a complex process involving a balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, structural proteins, and specific antigen presenting cells occurring against a background of neuroendocrine modulators such as cortisol. In this study, a multiplex array system was used to simultaneously determine multiple molecular factors critical for development of epidermal innate immune function from the skin surface of premature and term infants, healthy adults, and vernix caseosa. Samples were analyzed for Keratin 1,10,11, Keratin 6, involucrin, albumin, fibronectin and cortisol, and cytokines IL-1, TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-8, MCP1, IP10, IFNgamma, and IL-1 receptor antagonist. Keratin 1,10,11 was decreased and involucrin was increased in infants versus adults. All infants had elevated IL1alpha and reduced TNFalpha versus adults. IL-6, IL-8, and MCP1 were significantly increased in premature versus term infants and adults. Skin surface cortisol and albumin were significantly elevated in premature infants. The biomarker profile in premature infants was unique with differences in structural proteins, albumin, and cytokines IL-6, IL-1beta, IL-8, and MCP1. The higher infant IL1alpha may be associated with skin barrier maturation. The significant elevations in skin surface cortisol for preterm infants may reflect a neuroendocrine response to the stress of premature birth.

Reevaluación del estado de colonización por estreptococo del grupo B en madres e hijo al momento del parto y durante la gestación / Re-evaluation of the colonization state by Group B Streptococcal in mother and child at the moment of labor and during pregnancy

El estreptococo del grupo B (EGB)se ha reconocido como uno de los patógenos más importantes en sepsis y meningitis neonatal en los Estados Unidos y Europa. La incidencia de esta patología en países industrializados es de aproximadamente de 1 a 5 casos/100 nacidos vivos. Esta bacteria se encuentra como flora normal del trato genital materno y piel del recién nacido, con rangos entre 20-35 por ciento de colonización en gestantes (cervico vaginal y/o rectal) y en neonatos reportados en Estados Unidos (1,2).