Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 28, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Effect of a fourth Haemophilus influenzae type b immunisation in preterm infants who received dexamethasone for

P Clarke1, P J Powell, D Goldblatt

  • 1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK. paul.clarke@srht.nhs.uk

Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|December 24, 2002
PubMed

Insights

A fourth dose of Hib polysaccharide-tetanus protein conjugate vaccine (PRP-T) did not boost antibody levels in preterm infants treated with steroids. However, it did increase antibody avidity, suggesting potential long-term immunity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Neonatal Medicine

Background:

  • Preterm infants often have immature immune systems, increasing susceptibility to infections.
  • Corticosteroid treatment for chronic lung disease in preterm infants can further suppress immune responses.
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a significant cause of serious infections in infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the immunogenicity of an additional Hib polysaccharide-tetanus protein conjugate vaccine (PRP-T) dose in preterm infants previously treated with dexamethasone.
  • To assess the impact of a supplementary Hib vaccine dose on anti-PRP antibody levels and avidity.

Main Methods:

  • A pilot study involving 12 preterm infants (born <30 weeks gestation) who received corticosteroids.
  • Administration of a supplementary Hib PRP-T dose six weeks after primary immunization.
  • Analysis of serum anti-PRP antibody levels and avidity before and eight weeks after the fourth Hib dose.

Main Results:

  • No significant increase in the geometric mean titre (GMT) of anti-PRP antibody was observed after the fourth Hib dose (pre: 2.35 µg/ml, post: 2.24 µg/ml).
  • Subprotective antibody levels (<1.0 µg/ml) persisted in a subgroup of infants even after the supplementary immunization.
  • A significant rise in PRP-specific IgG avidity was noted post-vaccination (GMAI: pre: 0.076, post: 0.138).

Conclusions:

  • An additional Hib PRP-T immunization did not enhance primary immunogenicity in recently steroid-treated preterm infants.
  • The observed increase in antibody avidity suggests potential successful immune priming and long-term protection against Hib.
  • Further research may be needed to optimize vaccination strategies for immunocompromised preterm infants.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Intratracheal Instillation of Stem Cells in Term Neonatal Rats04:27

Intratracheal Instillation of Stem Cells in Term Neonatal Rats

Published on: May 4, 2020

Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae06:32

Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae

Published on: June 29, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions01:29

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions

Delayed-Type Hypersensitivity (DTH), or Type IV hypersensitivity, is a cell-mediated immune response. It occurs when T cells, rather than antibodies, mediate a reaction to specific antigens. It is characterized by a delayed onset (1-2 days) and involves the recruitment of macrophages to the inflammation site.The initiation of a DTH response begins with the sensitization of T cells. During this phase, which lasts at least 1-2 weeks, antigen-specific T cells are activated, clonally expanded, and...
Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...