ROLE OF INFECTIONS AND GENETIC INSTABILITIES AMONG LOW BIRTH WEIGHT BABIES

Swapna C Senan; Sarala Gopalakrishnan; Sadiya Ahammed; Dinesh Roy D

Volume : V, Issue : XI, November - 2016

ROLE OF INFECTIONS AND GENETIC INSTABILITIES AMONG LOW BIRTH WEIGHT BABIES

Swapna C Senan, Sarala Gopalakrishnan, Sadiya Ahammed, Dinesh Roy D

Abstract :

Birth weight is one of the most sensitive and reliable predictors of health of any community. Low birth weight (LBW) is an important factor for high prenatal and infant morbidity and mortality. ?e health of the mother is of prime importance in the outcome of pregnancy and health of the baby. Prenatal diagnosis enables early diagnosis of congenital anomalies and genetic disorders in utero. ?e proper diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities can lead to the prevention of future birth of similarly affected children. ?e aim of the present study was to determine the role of infection and genetic instabilities among low birth weight babies. ?e study was carried out in 42 study subjects and 18 subjects without any chronic illness were also selected as control for this study. Cytokinesis–Block Micronuclei (CBMN) Assay was performed on each sample by using cytochalasin B for quantitating the extent of somatic DNA damages. ?e present study demonstrated that micronuclei frequency was significantly elevated in the study subjects than control subjects. ?e mean CBMN frequency of the subjects was statistically higher than that of the healthy control subjects. ?is study clearly demonstrated that the mean CBMN frequency of study subjects increases with respect to demographic and clinical risk factors such as maternal and paternal age, duration of married life, history of maternal infection, maternal illness and drug intake. LBW babies usually need extra hospital care, and there is a constant concern and uncertainty over future health outcomes. However, little attention is paid to birth weight improvement as a means of reducing child mortality. An affordable health care service, the preconception counseling and care for young women is strongly needed for a healthy future outcome