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Maternal, Infant, and Breast Milk Antibody Response Following COVID-19 Infection in Early Versus Late Gestation

Elisha M Wachman1, Jennifer Snyder-Cappione2, Jean Devera3

  • 1From the Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|February 2, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection timing during pregnancy impacts antibody levels in mothers, infants, and breast milk for six weeks postpartum. Early infections boost breast milk IgA, while late infections increase infant IgG.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Virology

Background:

  • Pregnancy infections with SARS-CoV-2 can alter antibody levels post-delivery.
  • Understanding these antibody dynamics is crucial for maternal and infant health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG, IgM, and IgA antibody concentrations.
  • To compare antibody levels in maternal blood, infant blood, and breast milk.
  • To assess differences based on infection timing during early (1st/2nd trimester) versus late (3rd trimester) gestation.

Main Methods:

  • Mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy were enrolled.
  • Samples of maternal blood, infant blood, and breast milk were collected at delivery and 6 weeks postpartum.
  • Antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 spike and N-proteins were quantified.

Main Results:

  • Early gestation SARS-CoV-2 infection correlated with higher breast milk IgA levels.
  • Late gestation infection was linked to elevated infant IgG levels at 6 weeks postpartum.
  • Strong correlations were observed between maternal and infant IgG, and breast milk and infant IgG levels.

Conclusions:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy establishes a persistent antibody response in mothers, infants, and breast milk for at least six weeks.
  • The timing of infection influences specific antibody profiles and transfer to the infant.
Abstract

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