Background and aim To evaluate the diagnosis value of TLR-2 (Toll-like Receptors), TLR-4, IL-6 (interleukine -6), TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor – α) and CRP(C reactive protein) in the diagnosis of early neonatal sepsis at the premature babies with premature rupture of the membranes.

Material and methods Diagnosis of sepsis was done according with International Sepsis Definitions Criteria. Study group involved newborns with signs and symptoms suggestive for systemic infection, requiring full sepsis evaluation and antibiotic treatment and control group is represented by healthy newborns. We determined in the I-st day TLR-2, TLR-4, IL-6, TNF-α and CRP and in the III-th day the same without TLR. We used latex agglutination test for CRP, Elisa technique for TNF-α and IL-6 and flow cytometry for TLR. Statistical analysis was done with “Statistica VI”.

Results Sepsis group presented in the I-st day: TNF-α (pg/ml)= 14,7[5,0–24,3]; IL6 (pg/ml)=153,7[82,3–225,1]; CRP (mg%)= 0,83[0,54–1,12]; and the expression (%) of TLR2 = 42,5 [29,5–55,4]; and TLR4 = 2,2[1,26–3,15]. TNF- α correlates significantly and negative with TLR2. TLR2 correlates significantly and positive with TLR4. In the 3-rd day: TNF-α (pg/ml)= 10,1[5,1–15,1]; IL6(pg/ml)=46,5[16,3–76,7]; CRP (mg%)= 1,2[0,6–1,81]. Control group presented: TLR2(%) = 5,69 (p = 0,00006) and TLR4(%) = 0,67(p = 0,037). In the first day TNF-α and IL6 were higher in study group vs. control group but no statistical differences.

Conclusions TLR-2 and TLR-4 could confirm like markers the neonatal sepsis.

IL-6 and TNF-α consider to be markers of early neonatal sepsis.

CRP could not be consider like marker for early neonatal sepsis.