Reduced capacity of neonatal lymphocytes to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans

Opportunistic microorganisms produce significant morbidity and mortality in preterm and term infants. Because of the heightened susceptibility of infa nts to opportunistic fungal infections, neonatal lymphocytes were assessed for their capacity to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans. Lymphocytes f rom both preterm and term cord blood demonstrated significantly less effect upon C. albicans than did lymphocytes from adults, Neonatal lymphocytes of infants <32 weeks of gestation showed a marked reduction in growth inhibit ory capacity compared to infants >32 weeks of gestation. Lymphocytes from f emale infants had a significantly greater fungal growth inhibitory capacity than did lymphocytes from male infants. These results show that neonatal l ymphocytes have a reduced capacity to inhibit the growth of C. albicans. Th is reduced antifungal capacity may underlie the increased susceptibility of such infants to opportunistic microorganisms, like C. albicans.