Novel Biomarkers for Detection of Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis

• Infection-induced preterm birth significantly raises the risk of the newborn developing early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and represents a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide.
• Premature newborns represent about 11% of the approximately 4 million live births in the US annually and are most susceptible to developing EONS.
• The standard of care is empiric antibiotherapy based upon minimal symptomatic suspicions, but this poses undue risks to the newborn.
• Using proteomic analyses, Yale researchers have identified biomarkers in cord blood samples that correlate with the development of EONS.
• OCR5151 is a simple, quick and accurate test for the assessment of EONS that permits earlier treatment of those newborns at higher risk, but also avoids unnecessary treatment of newborns at no risk.
• This diagnostic test can be easily incorporated into routine newborn testing, as cord blood sampling is used to monitor cord blood gases at delivery.
• Issued Patent & Reference