Intrinsic maturational neonatal immune deficiencies and susceptibility to group B streptococcus infection

Michelle L. Korir, Shannon D. Manning, H. Dele Davies

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although a normal member of the gastrointestinal and vaginal microbiota, group B Streptococcus (GBS) can also occasionally be the cause of highly invasive neonatal disease and is an emerging pathogen in both elderly and immuno-compromised adults. Neonatal GBS infections are typically transmitted from mother to baby either in utero or during passage through the birth canal and can lead to pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis within the first few months of life. Compared to the adult immune system, the neonatal immune system has a number of deficiencies, making neonates more susceptible to infection. Recognition of GBS by the host immune system triggers an inflammatory response to clear the pathogen. However, GBS has developed several mechanisms to evade the host immune response. A comprehensive understanding of this interplay between GBS and the host immune system will aid in the development of new preventative measures and therapeutics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)973-989
Number of pages17
JournalClinical Microbiology Reviews
Volume30
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2017

Keywords

  • Group B streptococcus
  • Immunology
  • Inflammation
  • Prevention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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