Transplacental transfer of antibodies against pertussis and respiratory syncytial virus and follow-up after birth.

OBJECTIVES

Maternal immunization is recommended through transplacental antibody transfer to protect newborn babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pertussis. The objective of the study is to realize the current situation of maternal transfer of antibodies against RSV and pertussis before introduction of RSV maternal vaccine.

METHODS

Maternal serum samples were taken from 421 pregnant women before delivery, and 366 paired umbilical cord blood samples were obtained. Pertussis toxin (PT) antibodies and neutralizing test (NT) antibodies against RSV were examined. Follow-up serum samples were obtained from 22 infants at 2 and 6 months, and one and 1.5 years after birth.

RESULTS

RSV NT antibody was positive in all maternal sera and showed higher levels in umbilical cord blood, with a 1.31-fold increase. It decreased to 1/3 levels at 2 months and 1/8-9 levels at 6 months after birth in comparison with umbilical blood. Three subjects were considered RSV infection between 2 and 6 months after birth. The positive rate of PT antibody was approximately 30 % in pregnant women with extremely low levels, which decreased to undetectable at 2 months, increased at 6 months with routine immunization, decreased at one year, and increased at 1.5 years with a booster dose of pertussis-containing vaccine.

CONCLUSION

The transplacental transfer ratio was 1.31 for both RSV and pertussis antibodies. Transferred RSV NT decreased to 1/3 levels at 2 months and 1/8-9 levels at 6 months. PT antibody levels were undetectable until 2 months. The data suggests the critical role of maternal immunization.