Reevaluating the Impact of Maternal Immunity on Neonatal Escherichia coli Sepsis

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Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in preterm infants, with E. coli being a frequent pathogen.
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Maternal immunity, specifically the transfer of pathogen-specific IgG, significantly influences neonatal susceptibility to E. coli sepsis.
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Infants who developed E. coli sepsis had a tenfold reduction in anti–E. coli IgG titers and diminished opsonophagocytic activity.
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The study highlights that maternal antibody deficiency, rather than solely neonatal immune immaturity, contributes to sepsis risk.
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Maternal microbial exposure may enhance neonatal protection, as shown by maternal colonization inducing protective IgG in offspring.

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