The bactericidal activity of sera of healthy neonates and of newborns with hyperbilirubinaemia toEscherichia coli

Abstract
Cord and newborn sera were found to possess a significantly decreasedin vitro bactericidal Activity toEscherichia coli as compared to sera of adult individuals. Hyperbilirubinaemia in neonates suffering from both Rh and ABO incompatibility results in a further significant impairment of the bactericidal activity of their sera in comparison with healthy newborn infants. Exchange transfusion improved considerably the serum bactericidal activity. The possible mechanism of toxic action of unconjugated bilirubin on cells of the immune system is discussed.