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Effect of Plasmodium Infection during Pregnancy on Passive Neonatal Immunity against Tetanus Toxoid and Rotavirus

Catalina Álvarez-Larrotta1, Olga M Agudelo1, Kenneth Gavina2

  • 1Grupo Salud y Comunidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|October 3, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Maternal malaria during pregnancy impacts antibody transfer to newborns. Submicroscopic Plasmodium infection altered levels of IgG antibodies against rotavirus and tetanus, potentially affecting infant immunity.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Passive immunity via transplacental IgG transfer is crucial for infant protection against pathogens.
  • Childhood vaccinations rely on maternal IgG for early protection against infections like rotavirus and tetanus.
  • The effect of maternal infections during pregnancy on antibody transfer to the fetus is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how submicroscopic Plasmodium infection in pregnant women affects the transfer of maternal IgG antibodies to newborns.
  • To assess the levels of IgG antibodies against rotavirus (anti-RV) and tetanus toxoid (anti-TT) in newborns based on maternal Plasmodium status.
  • To examine the expression of immune mediators related to inflammation, anti-inflammation, and immune regulation in pregnant women with Plasmodium infection.

Main Methods:

  • Quantified IgG antibody levels against rotavirus and tetanus toxoid in maternal and cord blood samples.
  • Assessed the expression of immune mediators including IFN-γ, IL-10, TGF-β, FoxP3, and CTLA-4.
  • Studied pregnant women with and without submicroscopic Plasmodium infection in Puerto Libertador and Tierralta, Colombia.

Main Results:

  • Submicroscopic Plasmodium infection at delivery was linked to a cord-to-maternal ratio (CMR) >1 for anti-RV IgG and <1 for anti-TT IgG.
  • Increased expression of inflammatory (IFN-γ), anti-inflammatory (IL-10, TGF-β), and regulatory (FoxP3, CTLA-4) mediators was observed.
  • Findings were consistent with submicroscopic Plasmodium vivax infections at delivery.

Conclusions:

  • Submicroscopic maternal Plasmodium infections during pregnancy alter the transfer of essential IgG antibodies to newborns.
  • The observed changes in antibody transfer and immune mediator expression may influence neonatal susceptibility to infections.
  • Further research is needed to explore the broader implications of Plasmodium infections on neonatal immunity and susceptibility.

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