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Cot death linked to infectious causes

Infection may be a more significant factor in cot death than previously suspected, according to a study by Great Ormond Street Hospital.

A team of scientists led by Dr Neil Sebire and Dr Weber reviewed 546autopsy cases of sudden unexpected death of an infant (SUDI) between1996 and 2005. The study was funded by the Foundation for the Study ofInfant Deaths (FSID).

These were divided into three groups: those known to be caused byinfection (56 infants), those known to be non-infectious causes (72infants), and the majority, where the cause is unknown, more commonlyreferred to as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or cot death (379infants).

The study found potentially pathogenic bacteria, which causes infectiousdiseases, in half of all cases of 'unexplained SUDI' or SIDS. Thismatched the levels and type of bacteria found in the infection group,and proved an association between bacteria and SUDI.

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