Clinical studies have reported a negative correlation between IgA bound bacteria and development of NEC, with premature infants who developed NEC exhibiting a lower level of IgA bound bacteria compared to infants who did not develop NEC.22 Our studies did not assess maternal IgG, and the reduction in mortality from early-onset disease following maternal vaccination could be due to increased specific IgG responses. This evidence concerns the gene CD79A and necrotizing enterocolitis.