(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 what’s causing the
functional changes in these cases.
SOURCE: The Lancet, 2008
