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Published on: August 7, 2017
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[Dynamic maternal measles antibody level in infants: a longitudinal study]
1Director Office, Liwan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 510176, China.
Summary
Maternal measles antibodies in infants decline rapidly, offering little protection by 8 months. This suggests adjusting infant vaccination timing and boosting maternal antibody levels to prevent measles.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Maternal antibodies are crucial for infant immunity against infectious diseases.
- Measles remains a significant public health concern, necessitating understanding of passive immunity duration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic changes in maternal measles antibody levels in infants in Guangzhou.
- To determine the duration of passive immunity conferred by maternal measles antibodies.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal sero-epidemiological study was conducted.
- Serum samples from 689 mothers and 691 infants were analyzed using ELISA for measles IgG antibodies.
- Antibody levels were measured at 0, 3, 5, and 7 months postpartum.
Main Results:
- Infant measles antibody levels were strongly correlated with maternal levels (r=0.917, P<0.001).
- Antibody concentrations declined significantly by 3 months and were mostly negative by 7 months.
- Infants from mothers with high antibody levels retained positive status longer than those from mothers with low or moderate levels.
Conclusions:
- Maternal measles antibodies provide limited protection to infants beyond 8 months.
- Current vaccination schedules may need adjustment, and enhancing antibody levels in women of childbearing age is recommended to reduce infant measles incidence.
