Related Experiment Videos
Immunization with a pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccine during pregnancy
T J O'Dempsey1, T McArdle, S J Ceesay
1Medical Research Council Laboratories, Fajara, Banjul, The Gambia.
Vaccine
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Maternal immunization with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine during pregnancy showed some antibody transfer to infants, but levels rapidly declined, questioning clinical protection against invasive pneumococcal infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Invasive pneumococcal infections pose a significant threat to infants.
- Preventive strategies targeting early infancy are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the feasibility of preventing invasive pneumococcal infections through maternal immunization during pregnancy.
- To assess antibody transfer from mother to infant and its persistence.
Main Methods:
- 150 pregnant Gambian women received either a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or a meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine in their last trimester.
- Antibody responses in mothers and cord blood were measured.
- Infant antibody levels were monitored in the first few months of life.
Main Results:
- Pregnant women demonstrated a good antibody response to most tested pneumococcal serotypes, except type 6.
- Cord blood to maternal blood IgG antibody ratios varied significantly.
- Infants born to vaccinated mothers had higher pneumococcal antibody levels at birth compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Maternal immunization during pregnancy elicits an antibody response and transfers antibodies to the infant.
- The rapid decline of these antibodies in early infancy raises questions about long-term clinical protection against pneumococcal infections.