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Maternal DTaP immunization and transplacental transfer of pertussis antibodies in Japan

Kazuya Hiiragi1, Ryosuke Shindo1, Tomoyuki Kojima1

  • 1Perinatal Center for Maternity and Neonates, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama City, Kanagawa, Japan.

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|May 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Maternal diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) immunization effectively transfers antibodies across the placenta. This supports DTaP use in Japan for protecting newborns against pertussis when Tdap is unavailable.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Maternal pertussis immunization is crucial for protecting infants.
  • Japan offers the DTaP vaccine during pregnancy but not the Tdap vaccine.
  • Limited data exists on DTaP's antibody transfer efficacy in pregnant individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate transplacental antibody transfer following maternal DTaP immunization.
  • To assess pertussis toxin IgG (PT-IgG) and filamentous hemagglutinin IgG (FHA-IgG) levels.

Main Methods:

  • An observational study involving 240 pregnant women categorized by antibody status or DTaP vaccination.
  • Maternal and cord blood samples were collected and analyzed for PT-IgG and FHA-IgG.
  • Groups included antibody-positive, unvaccinated, and DTaP-vaccinated participants.

Main Results:

  • The DTaP-vaccinated group showed significantly higher cord blood antibody positivity (94%) compared to unvaccinated (14%).
  • Mean PT-IgG and FHA-IgG titers were substantially elevated in the vaccinated group.
  • No correlation was found between gestational week at immunization and antibody titers; no serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal DTaP immunization facilitates efficient transplacental antibody transfer.
  • Findings support the use of maternal DTaP vaccination in Japan to bolster neonatal pertussis immunity.
  • This strategy is particularly relevant where the Tdap vaccine is not approved.
Abstract

Keywords:
Diphtheria–tetanus–acellular pertussisImmunizationPertussisTetanus–diphtheria–acellular pertussis

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