Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

Immunoglobulin therapy of neonatal group B streptococcal infections: an overview

G W Fischer1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|May 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Group B streptococcus (GBS) infections in newborns are serious. Hyperimmune intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) offers a promising way to deliver specific antibodies, potentially improving treatment for neonatal sepsis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Group B streptococci (GBS) cause severe neonatal infections like sepsis and meningitis.
  • Neonatal immunity to GBS appears deficient, with low anti-GBS antibody levels linked to infection severity.
  • Opsonic antibodies are crucial for phagocytosis and killing of GBS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential of hyperimmune anti-GBS intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for treating neonatal GBS infections.
  • To address limitations of standard IVIG, including lot-to-lot variability in antibody levels.
  • To explore the safety and efficacy of specific immunoglobulin preparations for neonatal sepsis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing studies on IVIG in experimental and clinical settings for GBS infections.
  • Characterization of hyperimmune anti-GBS IVIG preparations for high opsonic and protective antibody levels.
  • Comparison of hyperimmune IVIG with standard IVIG regarding antibody content and administration.

Main Results:

  • Standard IVIG has variable opsonic antibody levels, potentially limiting its effectiveness.
  • Hyperimmune anti-GBS IVIG provides concentrated, specific antibodies, allowing higher doses with less volume.
  • Limited human data suggest IVIG may be safe and effective for neonatal sepsis, but further research is needed.

Conclusions:

  • Hyperimmune anti-GBS IVIG offers a more reliable and potent source of protective antibodies against GBS.
  • This approach could enhance treatment by providing predictable antibacterial activity.
  • Further clinical trials are essential to establish the definitive role of IVIG in preventing and treating neonatal GBS infections.

More Related Videos

Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens13:47

Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens

Published on: May 19, 2020

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Transcytosis of IgG01:15

Transcytosis of IgG

Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
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...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...