The progression of maternal RSV antibodies in the offspring

Arch Dis Child. 2004 Jan;89(1):52-3. doi: 10.1136/adc.2002.017780.

Abstract

The concentrations of maternal anti-RSV IgG antibodies were followed in 49 healthy newborns over the first six months of life. At birth, 41 mothers (83%) tested positive for anti-RSV IgG and all of their babies carried maternal anti-RSV IgG. Anti-RSV IgG positivity dropped to 73% at 1 month, 6% at 3 months, and 2% at 6 months. Between 3 and 6 months, 8% did acquire RSV infection, half of them as acute bronchiolitis and half as non-specific respiratory infection. All of the patients who acquired clinical RSV disease had an antibody concentration of <20 RU/ml which may be the cut off value for protection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic / blood*
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Maternally-Acquired / immunology*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / blood*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / immunology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / blood
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / immunology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / transmission*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • anti-IgG