Neonatology: immunological features
Goudswaard, J.
Tijdschrift Voor Diergeneeskunde 108(1): 12-21
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-7453 PMID: 6868049 Document Number: 202211
In the present paper which was inspired by a paper that was previously read, the title 'Neonatology: Immunological Features' is interpreted rather more widely to the extent that the entire field of perinatology including functioning of the mother during gestation and lactation will be reviewed. The following subjects are discussed in succession: (1) the mother - fetus relationship (maternal immunocompetence during gestation and lactation, fetal immunocompetence, the fetus as a 'semi-allograft'); (2) passive immunization produced by maternal antibodies (mode of transfer of antibodies and immunopathological features of this transfer, enteromammary link, feed-back due to maternal antibodies); (3) neonatal infection and (4) artificial rearing (differences with conventional rearing and consequences in the field). In the final conclusions, new insights into the problems of neonatal infection gained by immunological studies and their use in the prevention and control of these infections are evaluated.