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Pertussis Antibody Concentrations in Infants Born Prematurely to Mothers Vaccinated in Pregnancy

Alison Kent1, Shamez N Ladhani2, Nick J Andrews3

  • 1Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and Vaccine Institute, St George's, University of London, London, United Kingdom; alisonkent@doctors.org.uk.

Pediatrics
|June 4, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Maternal antenatal pertussis vaccination in early pregnancy boosts antibody levels in premature infants. This protection may wane after infant immunization but appears to offer initial benefits for vulnerable newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neonatal Care
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Maternal antenatal pertussis vaccination is recommended for neonatal pertussis prevention.
  • Its efficacy in protecting premature infants remains largely unknown.
  • This study investigated antibody responses in premature infants born to vaccinated mothers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if maternal antenatal pertussis vaccination enhances antibody concentrations in premature infants.
  • To compare antibody levels in premature infants of vaccinated versus unvaccinated mothers.

Main Methods:

  • Mothers received a combined tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis, and inactivated polio vaccine.
  • Antibody concentrations (pertussis toxin, FHA, fimbriae) were measured in premature infants at 2, 5, and 12 months of age.
  • Infants were part of a randomized controlled trial for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine schedules.

Main Results:

  • Premature infants of vaccinated mothers had significantly higher antibody concentrations at 2 months for all measured pertussis antigens.
  • Earlier maternal vaccination correlated positively with higher immunoglobulin G concentrations at 2 months.
  • Infants of vaccinated mothers showed lower FHA antibody levels after primary immunization, which resolved by 12 months.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal vaccination in early third trimester may confer protection to premature infants.
  • Antenatal pertussis vaccination appears beneficial for premature infants' early antibody levels.
Abstract

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