Immunologic biomarkers for diagnostic of early-onset neonatal sepsis

Abstract

Accurate identification of early onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) is challenging. Blood culture has been considered as a gold standard method but the identification of EOS is intricate by a high false-negative results. This review provides an overview of biomarkers as indicators for the diagnosis of EOS. There is an affluence of studies appraising diagnostic indicators in the identification of EOS. Acute-phase reactants, cytokines, and cell surface antigens have been investigated as indicators for EOS, but none of them are presently in routine clinical setting. Despite the promising data for some immunologic biomarkers, present evidence shows that none of them can constantly diagnose 100% of infections. IL-6 is the most potent marker for evaluation of EOS prognosis. Procalciton (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are appropriate indicators for the detection and monitoring of antibiotics therapy. A panel of sepsis biomarkers along with presently routine tests will make easy earlier identification, appropriate management, and improved outcome may be more efficient than single indicator.

Keywords: Biomarker; C-reactive protein; early onset neonatal sepsis; procalcitonin.