Group B streptococcus and respiratory syncytial virus immunisation during pregnancy: a landscape analysis

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Paul T Heath1, Fiona J Culley2, Christine E Jones3

  • 1Vaccine Institute, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London and St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|April 24, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Maternal vaccination may protect infants from Group B Streptococcus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Research is needed to understand immune protection and guide vaccine development for these common infant illnesses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Maternal and Child Health

Background:

  • Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are major global causes of infant illness and death.
  • Currently, no licensed vaccines exist for GBS or RSV, though development is ongoing.
  • Passive antibody administration can prevent severe RSV disease, and maternal antibodies offer early protection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on immune protection against GBS and RSV.
  • To identify gaps in understanding the immunobiology of GBS and RSV infections.
  • To prioritize research for maternal immunization strategies against GBS and RSV.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on GBS and RSV immunobiology.
  • Analysis of the role of maternal antibodies in infant protection.
  • Identification of research priorities for maternal vaccination.

Main Results:

  • Maternal IgG specific to RSV is linked to reduced RSV disease severity in newborns.
  • Maternal serotype-specific anticapsular antibodies protect against early and late-onset GBS disease.
  • Vaccination during pregnancy is a potential strategy to confer infant protection against both pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal immunization holds promise for protecting infants against GBS and RSV.
  • Further research into the immunobiology of GBS and RSV is crucial for effective vaccine development.
  • Prioritizing research in maternal immunization can accelerate the availability of vaccines for these critical infant diseases.

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