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Decay of passively acquired maternal antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella viruses
C Nicoara1, K Zäch, D Trachsel
1Institute for Medical Microbiology, University of Bern, Switzerland.
Insights
Maternal antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella wane quickly in infants. Early measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination at 12 months may enhance protection against these viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Maternally derived antibodies provide crucial early immunity to infants.
- The decline rate of these antibodies influences infant vaccination timing.
- Understanding antibody decay is key for effective immunization strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the optimal timing for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination in Swiss infants.
- To analyze the decay patterns of maternally acquired antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella viruses.
Main Methods:
- Collected and analyzed 500 serum or plasma samples from infants up to 2 years of age.
- Utilized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fluorescent-antibody testing.
- Assessed antibody prevalence and concentration against measles, mumps, and rubella viruses.
Main Results:
- Antibody levels against measles, mumps, and rubella viruses declined significantly within the first six months of life.
- Measles antibody prevalence was lowest between 9-12 months (8.6%).
- Mumps and rubella antibody seropositivity was minimal at 9-12 and 12-15 months, respectively.
Conclusions:
- MMR vaccination at 12 months, instead of 15 months, could decrease the number of susceptible infants.
- Earlier vaccination supports efforts to eliminate measles, mumps, and rubella infections.
- A second MMR vaccine dose before school entry is recommended for sustained immunity.
Abstract:
The decay of maternally derived antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella viruses in Swiss infants was studied in order to determine the optimal time for vaccination. A total of 500 serum or plasma samples from infants up to 2 years of age were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescent-antibody testing. The decline of antibody prevalence was slowest against the measles virus. By 9 to 12 months of age, only 5 of 58 (8.6%; 95% CI, 2.9 to 19.0) infants were antibody positive for the measles virus, and only 2 had levels above 200 mIU/ml. Mumps and rubella virus antibody seropositivity was lowest at 9 to 12 months of age with 3 of 58 (5. 2%; 95% CI, 1.1 to 14.4) infants and at 12 to 15 months with 1 of 48 (2.1%; 95% CI, 0.1 to 11.1) infants, respectively. Concentrations of passively acquired antibodies decreased rapidly within the first 6 months of life. We observed no significant differences in antibody prevalence or concentration according to gender in any age group. In conclusion, MMR vaccination at 12 instead of 15 months of age could reduce the pool of susceptible subjects in infancy and support the efforts to eliminate these infections, particularly in combination with a second vaccine dose before school entry.