Persistence of Maternal Anti-Rotavirus Immunoglobulin G in the Post-Rotavirus Vaccine Era

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pediatrics
• Virology

Background:

• Rotavirus gastroenteritis significantly decreased following the introduction of rotavirus vaccines.
• Understanding the persistence of maternal antibodies is crucial for assessing infant immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if anti-rotavirus immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers persist in mothers and are transferred to infants during the post-rotavirus vaccine era.
• To evaluate the impact of rotavirus vaccination on maternal antibody transfer.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of serum samples from mothers and infants in the Pediatric Respiratory and Enteric Virus Acquisition and Immunogenesis Longitudinal (PREVAIL) Cohort.
• Samples were collected in the Cincinnati area between 2017-2018.
• Measurement of rotavirus-specific immunoglobulin G antibody titers.

Main Results:

• Rotavirus-specific antibodies were detected in serum samples from US mothers.
• These rotavirus-specific antibodies were transferred from mothers to their infants.
• Antibody transfer was observed during the period after widespread rotavirus vaccine implementation.

Conclusions:

• Maternal transfer of anti-rotavirus immunoglobulin G antibodies continues in the post-rotavirus vaccine era.
• The findings suggest ongoing natural exposure or immune memory contributing to antibody levels.
• This maternal antibody transfer may play a role in infant protection against rotavirus infections.