Phenotype and function of neutrophils in premature infants and their role in neonatal infections

Abstract

Introduction. Premature infants are at high risk bacterial infections development due to functional deficiency of neutrophils.

The aim of the study - to determine Fey-receptors expression (CD64, CD16, CD32) and respiratory burst intensity of neutrophils in preterm infants, as well as to assess their diagnostic value in identifying infectious complications of the early neonatal period.

Material and methods. Premature newborns (n = 102) were divided into 3 groups: neonates without infections in the early neonatal period (n = 24), neonates with localized bacterial infections (n = 63) and early neonatal sepsis (n = 15). Expression of CD64, CD16, CD32 by cord blood neutrophils and intensity of oxidative burst after stimulation of neutrophils with E. coli in the presence of dihydrorhodamine 123 were measured by flow cytofluorometry.

Results. In the group of premature infants who developed early neonatal sepsis a significant increase in CD64 expression, a decrease in CD32 expression as well as a significant increase in the production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils in response to E. coli were found in comparison with groups of newborns with a localized infectious process and without an infectious diagnosis. The production of reactive oxygen species was also increased in premature infants with a localized infectious process in comparison with the group of premature infants without an infectious diagnosis.

Conclusion. The expression levels of CD64 and CD32 as well as the production of reactive oxygen species by neutrophils of preterm infants, are associated with the development of neonatal sepsis. Determination of these parameters has diagnostic value in identifying infectious complications in early neonatal period.

Keywords:neutrophils; prematurity; bacterial infections; neonate; Fcy-receptors; respiratory burst

Received 09.02.2021. Accepted 16.03.2021.

For citation: Mukhin V.E., Pankratyeva L.L., Mileva O.I., Yartsev M.N., Volodin N.N. Phenotype and function of neutrophils in premature infants and their role in neonatal infections. Immunologiya. 2021; 42 (2): 140-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33029/0206-4952-2021-42-2-140-147 (in Russian)

Funding. The study had no sponsor support.

Conflict of interests. The authors declare no conflict of interests.

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