Molecular diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and its association with immunological markers and gut microbiota

Abstract

Research focus: Sepsis is a serious condition and sepsis in newborn babies is called neonatal sepsis. This study focuses on molecular method-based prevalence of pathogens causing neonatal sepsis and its association of immunological markers along with gut microbiota. newlineResearch methods: This prospective study was conducted in Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute. A total of 280 neonates (140 cases and 140 controls) were included. Whole blood and stool samples were collected from neonates with clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis. Multiplex PCR panel has been designed to identify the organisms, thereby reducing the turn-around time. Immunological markers like interleukin 6 and 8 levels were measured by ELISA technique. Gut microbiota analysis was done by 16s rRNA microbiome profiling technique. newlineResults: In our study, clinical sepsis (75%) was found to be higher than proven sepsis (25%). Prevalence of early onset sepsis (65%) was found to be higher in both clinical sepsis and proven sepsis. Blood culture showed bacterial growth in 35 (25%) of neonates whereas a total of 59 (42.14%) pathogens were detected by multiplex PCR. CRP, IL6 and IL8 were found to be extremely significant between the cases and control. Most abundant taxonomy were identified at different taxonomic levels in gut microbiome analysis. Alpha diversity summarizes the diversity of organisms with a single number. Rarefaction curve allows the calculation of species richness of the sample. newlineConclusion: Multiplex PCR will decrease the turn-around time and increase the sensitivity in detecting the pathogens. Immunological markers like IL6 and IL8 may be used in early diagnosis of the disease. Gut microbiome analysis helps in prediction of disease severity. Keywords: Neonatal sepsis, immunological markers, Gut microbiome, Multiplex PCR. newline