Infectious agents, the inflammatory responses of infants and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

There is no convincing epidemiological or pathological evidence that particular infectious agents cause sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); therefore, we have explored the concept that synergy between bacterial endotoxins, exotoxins or viruses might elicit inflammatory responses during a period when the infant's endocrine system is less able to 'damp down' the effects of powerful mediators such as tumour necrosis factor or to maintain glucose homoeostasis which is affected by these mediators. This hypothesis is discussed with reference to the recent decline in the number of cot deaths.