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Humoral immune response in infants after BCG vaccination
U Beyazova1, S Rota, C Cevheroğlu
1Department of Pediatrics, Medical Faculty, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
This study shows that both IgM and IgG antibody levels increase after BCG vaccination in infants. Early vaccination timing may influence the initial IgM response, with most infants becoming tuberculin positive.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is crucial for preventing tuberculosis in infants.
- Understanding the specific antibody responses (IgM and IgG) following BCG vaccination is essential for assessing vaccine efficacy.
- The timing of BCG vaccination in early infancy may influence the immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific IgM and IgG antibody responses after BCG vaccination in infants.
- To compare the immune response based on the timing of BCG vaccination (1st vs. 2nd month of life).
- To determine the rate of tuberculin positivity after BCG vaccination.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized trial was conducted involving 66 infants.
- Serum samples were collected before and at 2, 4, 6, and 15 months post-vaccination.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to measure anti-purified protein derivative (PPD) IgM and IgG antibody levels.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in IgM antibodies were observed during the post-vaccination period (P < 0.05).
- IgG antibodies initially decreased at 2 months but showed a continuous rise from the 4th month onwards (P < 0.01).
- Infants vaccinated in the second month exhibited a higher IgM response at 2 and 4 months compared to those vaccinated in the first month (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Anti-PPD IgM and IgG antibody levels increase progressively in infants following BCG vaccination.
- The timing of BCG vaccination in early infancy may impact the initial IgM antibody response.
- A high proportion of infants (78%) achieved tuberculin positivity 8 weeks after vaccination, indicating an effective immune response.
Setting:
Child welfare division of a university-based department of pediatrics in Turkey.
Objective:
To determine specific IgM and IgG response after BCG vaccination.
Design:
Prospective, randomized trial.
Methods:
Serum samples of 66 infants were taken before and at 2, 4, 6 and 15 months after vaccination. 35 infants were vaccinated at the first month and 31 at the second month after delivery. An ELISA assay was performed using PPD antigen.
Results:
IgM antibodies increased significantly (P < 0.05) during the post-vaccination period. On the other hand IgG antibodies decreased in the second month after vaccination. At the fourth month the IgG level began to rise continuously (P < 0.01). The infants who were vaccinated at the second month showed a higher IgM response at the second and fourth month than those vaccinated in the first month (P < 0.05), but the difference was not visible thereafter (P > 0.05). 52 infants (78%) were tuberculin positive 8 weeks after vaccination.
Conclusion:
Anti-PPD IgM and IgG levels rise progressively in BCG-vaccinated infants.