Dynamics of maternally transferred antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella in infants in Sri Lanka. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muthiah, Nadhikala; Galagoda, Geethani; Handunnetti, Shiroma; Peiris, Sudath; Pathirana, Sisira
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 107(2021)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Maternal antibody transfer -- Measles -- Mumps -- Rubella -- Childhood infection -- Seroprevalence; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.04.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Efficient transfer of maternal antibodies was observed in Sri Lankan newborns. Antibody levels of newborns were dependent on their mothers' levels. Naturally immune mothers had higher antibody levels than vaccinated mothers. Maternally transferred antibody levels decreased with the age of the infant. Abstract: Background: Determining the dynamics of maternally transferred antibodies against measles, mumps, and rubella infections in infants is important for making evidence-based policy decisions regarding the timing of vaccination. Methods: The levels of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) developed against measles, mumps, and rubella infections were assessed using commercial ELISA kits in mother–newborn pairs ( n = 294) and 6–12-month-old infants ( n = 280) recruited from Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Antibody levels of mothers and their newborns were assessed with respect to sex and parity. Antibody levels and the protection conferred were assessed in a sample of infants who completed 6–12 months of age in relation to their age and sex. Antibody levels were compared between different age and sex groups using the Mann–Whitney U -test, and correlations of antibody titers were performed using the Spearman correlation test. Results: The prevalence rates of seropositivity for measles, mumps, and rubella were 91.5%, 89%, and 88%, respectively, in mothers, and 95%, 91.5%, and 93%, respectively, in their newborns. The newborns had mean IgG levels exceeding those of the mothers ( P < 0.001). Mothers with natural infections had higher antibody levels compared to vaccinated mothers, which resulted in a higher level of maternal transfer. All of the infants who were 9–10 months of age or older were seronegative for measles, all of those who were 10–11 months of age or older were seronegative for rubella, and all of those who were 11–12 months old were seronegative for mumps. Conclusions: The maternal transfer of antibodies to newborns is efficient and renders protection until the infants are 6–7 months old in the case of mumps and rubella and 7–8 months old in the case of measles. Hence infants remain vulnerable to infections before the first dose of the MMR vaccine.