Are levels of antimicrobial molecules defensin and lactoferrin elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid of children with meningitis?
Significant elevations of defensins and lactoferrin, indicative of endogenous local antimicrobial peptide and polypeptide release, are found in the CSF of children with meningitis. We speculate that elevations in these antimicrobial molecules may reflect the intensity of the host response. Defensins seem to parallel neutrophil activation more closely than lactoferrin. Cumulative levels of CSF defensins and lactoferrin clearly distinguished bacterial meningitis from aseptic meningitis and control patients. Further investigation is warranted to determine the usefulness of measuring defensins and lactoferrin as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic monitor in the evaluation of children with meningitis.
Pregnancy does not influence the HCMV-specific immune response. A dissociation between CFC response and LPR is commonly observed in patients with primary infections, and ad hoc studies aimed at understanding the mechanism(s) of the reduced LPR in transmitter mothers are warranted.