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Low cord blood type 14 pneumococcal IgG1 but not IgG2 antibody predicts early infant otitis media

N J Lockhart1, K A Daly, B R Lindgren

  • 1Otitis Media Research Center and Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|June 6, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Infants with low levels of type 14 Streptococcus pneumoniae IgG1 antibodies in cord blood had a higher risk of early otitis media (OM). IgG2 antibodies were not protective against early OM, despite higher concentrations.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Otitis media (OM) is a common childhood infection.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of OM.
  • Antibody subclasses, IgG1 and IgG2, play roles in immunity to pneumococcal polysaccharides.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between type-specific Streptococcus pneumoniae antibody subclasses (IgG1 and IgG2) in neonates and the risk of early-onset OM.
  • To determine if IgG1 or IgG2 antibodies are more critical for protection against early OM.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of type-specific IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies to Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 14 and 19F in cord blood from 425 neonates.
  • Correlation analysis of IgG1 and IgG2 antibody levels.
  • Multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors for early OM.

Main Results:

  • Low levels of type 14 IgG1 antibodies in cord blood were significantly associated with an increased risk of early OM (P=.055).
  • No significant association was found between type 19F IgG1 antibodies or either IgG2 antibody and early OM.
  • Childcare attendance and a history of OM in siblings or mothers were also independent risk factors for early OM.
  • Despite higher concentrations, IgG2 antibodies were not found to be protective against early OM.

Conclusions:

  • Type 14 Streptococcus pneumoniae IgG1 antibody levels in cord blood may be a predictor of early OM risk.
  • IgG2 antibodies to Streptococcus pneumoniae appear to offer limited protection against OM in early infancy.
  • Multifactorial risk assessment, including antibody levels and environmental/familial factors, is important for understanding early OM development.

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