Bacteria Linked to Infant Deaths
Reported June 09, 2008
(Ivanhoe Newswire) There are many theories about what causes sudden unexpected death of an infant (SUDI) or cot death. In the U.K., SUDI is one of the most common reasons for infant death in the first year of life. A new study finds high levels of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria may explain the cause in some cases.
Researchers say for many years underlying infection has been suggested as a possible cause for SUDI. Study authors from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London reviewed autopsy results to determine if infection was the cause of SUDI.
They looked at 546 cases between 1996 and 2005. They categorized the cases into unexplained death, explained death with evidence of bacterial infection and explained by non-infective causes. They also classified the bacterial samples gathered during the autopsy.
Study authors found significantly more cultures contained Staphylococcus aureus or E coli from infants whose deaths were unexplained when compared to infants deaths who were of non-infective causes. This difference suggests that infection with these bacteria is associated with SUDI. Researchers say although the reasons for this are unclear, they must now find out whats causing the functional changes in these cases.
SOURCE: The Lancet, 2008