Infection claims the lives of approximately 3000 neonates worldwide every day. 1 Preterm
newborns are the most affected because they exhibit the highest sepsisrelated morbidity
and mortality among pediatric patients. 2 The distinct neonatal immune system, although
adequate to protect against infection in most neonates, contributes to a newborn's enhanced
susceptibility to infection. 3–6 The innate immune system represents the first line of
prevention against microbial invasion and of defense once infection has occurred. Initial …