203 Low Mannose Binding Lectin (MBL) Serum Levels And Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI) in Neonates in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Background: MBL is a serum lectin, synthesised by the liver, that is part of the innate immune system; it behaves as an acute phase reactant and plays an auxiliary rather than a critical role in host defence. Individuals with MBL deficiency may experience an increased number of infections, particularly in the course of immunodeficiency (e.g. chemotherapy). A MBL concentration of 0.5 mcg/ml has been suggested as a cut-off level for MBL deficiency. Serum MBL levels in term neonates are similar to those in adults, but values in preterms are approximately 50% lower. HAI are an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Known risk factors account only in part of the (inter)individual variability of the frequency and severity of neonatal infections. Part of this variability could be related to individual differences in the maturation of the innate immune system.