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Measles, mumps, and rubella serology in premature infants weighing less than 1,000 grams
C Glick1, S Feldman, M R Norris
1Department of Pediatrics/Neonatology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505, USA.
Insights
Premature infants often lack measles, mumps, and rubella antibodies at birth and by three months. This suggests vulnerability to these infections in early life, highlighting the need for timely vaccination strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal immunology
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Premature infants (< 32 weeks gestation, < 1000g) are a vulnerable population.
- Maternal antibodies are crucial for early infant protection against infections.
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) are common vaccine-preventable diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the serological status for measles, mumps, and rubella in premature infants.
- To assess antibody levels at two weeks of life and three months of age.
- To evaluate the persistence of maternal antibodies in this high-risk group.
Main Methods:
- Enrolled 44 maternal-infant pairs of premature infants (< 32 weeks gestation, < 1000g).
- Collected maternal and infant blood samples within two weeks of birth and at three months.
- Measured measles, mumps, and rubella antibody titers using serological assays.
Main Results:
- At birth, significant percentages of infants were seronegative: measles (45%), mumps (55%), and rubella (48%).
- Maternal seronegativity rates were lower: measles (14%), mumps (3%), and rubella (17%).
- By three months, infants showed high seronegativity: mumps (100%), rubella (100%), and measles (94%).
Conclusions:
- The majority of premature infants lose maternal antibodies and are seronegative for measles, mumps, and rubella by three months of age.
- This seronegativity indicates presumed susceptibility to these infections during the first year of life.
- Early-life serological status in premature infants underscores the importance of vaccination schedules tailored to this population.
Background:
This study was done to determine antibodies to measles, mumps, and rubella within the first 2 weeks of life and 3 months of age in premature infants.
Methods:
All premature infants (< 32 weeks' gestation) weighing less than 1,000 g and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were eligible for inclusion in the study. Measles, mumps, and rubella titers were obtained from the mother and from the infant during the first 2 weeks of life and at 3 months of age.
Results:
A total of 44 maternal-infant pairs were enrolled. At birth, 45% of the infants were seronegative for measles, 55% for mumps, and 48% for rubella. Maternal samples revealed seronegativity in 14%, 3%, and 17%, respectively. By 3 months of age, 100% of infants were seronegative for mumps and rubella, and 94% were seronegative for measles.
Conclusions:
The majority of prematurely born infants are seronegative for measles, mumps, and rubella by 3 months of age and therefore are presumably susceptible to infection during the first year of life.