Antibodies to group B streptococci in neonates and infants

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 30, 2026

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization
10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

S Berg1, S Kasvi, B Trollfors

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Mölndal Hospital, Sweden. stefan.berg@digit.se

European Journal of Pediatrics
|April 16, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Maternal antibodies against group B streptococcal (GBS) capsular polysaccharides (CPS) do not explain the low incidence of GBS infections after the neonatal period. Antibody levels decrease in infants, and early acquisition of protective antibodies was not observed.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal immunology
  • Infectious disease epidemiology
  • Bacterial pathogenesis

Background:

  • Invasive group B streptococcal (GBS) infections are a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
  • The incidence of invasive GBS infections significantly declines after the first month of life, a pattern distinct from other encapsulated bacterial pathogens.
  • The immunological mechanisms underlying this age-specific protection against GBS remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether the acquisition of serum antibodies against GBS capsular polysaccharides (CPS) during early infancy contributes to the reduced incidence of invasive GBS disease after the neonatal period.
  • To determine the levels and trends of IgG and IgM antibodies against common GBS serotypes (Ia, II, and III) in newborns and infants up to six months of age.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples were collected from 321 healthy term newborns (cord blood) and at multiple time points up to 26 weeks of age.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to quantify IgG and IgM antibody levels against GBS serotypes Ia, II, and III CPS.
  • Longitudinal analysis tracked antibody dynamics from birth through the first six months of life.

Main Results:

  • Virtually all neonates possessed high levels of IgG antibodies against GBS serotypes Ia, II, and III CPS at birth (98%-100%).
  • These maternal IgG antibody levels showed a consistent decline throughout the first six months of life.
  • IgM antibodies against GBS serotype III CPS were absent in cord sera and were acquired by only a small proportion (16%-17%) of infants by 3-6 months of age.

Conclusions:

  • The early acquisition of significant levels of IgG or IgM antibodies against the most common GBS serotypes was not observed in infants.
  • The presence of maternal antibodies at birth wanes, and insufficient active antibody acquisition occurs in early infancy to explain the rarity of invasive GBS infections after the neonatal period.
  • The findings do not support the hypothesis that antibody acquisition against GBS CPS explains the age-dependent decrease in invasive GBS disease incidence.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Rh Blood Group01:19

Rh Blood Group

The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.
The ABO Blood Group01:12

The ABO Blood Group

The ABO blood group system is a critical element of transfusion medicine, essential for determining blood compatibility in transfusions and organ transplants. It is based on specific antigens, or agglutinogens, present on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) and corresponding antibodies, or agglutinins, in the blood plasma.
Antigens in the ABO Blood Group System
Antigens are substances that can trigger an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies. In the ABO blood group system,...
Blood Typing01:10

Blood Typing

Understanding an individual's blood group is a critical component of transfusion medicine. It ensures compatibility in blood transfusions, organ transplants, and even during pregnancy. Determining these blood groups involves the ABO and Rh blood typing systems, utilizing specific antigens and corresponding anti-sera to identify an individual's blood type.
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target antigens A,...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...