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Enterovirus 71 maternal antibodies in infants, Taiwan

Shu Ting Luo1, Pai Shan Chiang, An Shine Chao

  • 1National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan Miaoli, Taiwan.

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|April 1, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Maternal antibodies protect infants from Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a dangerous virus. However, these protective antibodies in newborns significantly decrease by six months of age, leaving infants vulnerable.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a significant pathogen causing severe outbreaks in young children, particularly in Asia.
  • Understanding the maternal antibody dynamics is crucial for infant protection strategies against EV71.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the persistence and decline of maternal Enterovirus 71 (EV71) neutralizing antibodies in Taiwanese infants.
  • To assess the duration of passive immunity conferred by maternal antibodies against EV71.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study design was employed.
  • Maternal EV71 antibody levels were measured in neonates and young infants over time.

Main Results:

  • Approximately 50% of neonates possessed detectable EV71 neutralizing antibodies at birth.
  • Antibody levels showed a marked decline, becoming nearly undetectable by 6 months of age.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal antibodies provide initial protection against EV71 in neonates.
  • The rapid decline in maternal EV71 antibodies suggests a limited window of protection for infants, highlighting the need for alternative protective measures.

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