Serotype-specific pneumococcal antibodies in breast milk of Gambian women immunized with a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine during pregnancy

Stephen K. Obaro, Hedwig E. Deubzer, Vanessa O. Newman, Richard A. Adegbola, Brian M. Greenwood, Don C. Henderson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: In breast-feeding populations, immunization during pregnancy with pneumococcal polysaccharide offers a potentially useful approach to preventing pneumococcal disease in young infants. Methods: Breast milk samples were collected at 0, 2, 4 and 6 months after delivery from Gambian women vaccinated during pregnancy (24-32 weeks gestation) with Pneumovax II (n = 56) or Mengivax A&C (n = 57). Specimens were examined for secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) concentration, subclass distribution and avidity specific to pneumococcal serotypes 4, 6B, 14, 19F and 23F and the antigen mixture in Pneumovax II by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Colostral s-IgA and IgG concentrations in paired maternal sera were compared. Results: Colostral s-IgA concentrations specific to all pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens investigated were significantly higher (P < 0.05) among Pneumovax II vaccinees. Titers specific to serotypes 4, 6B and 14 and the vaccine formula remained significantly higher during 6 months, and those for 19F were higher during 4 months. Significantly higher concentrations of vaccine antigen-specific s-IgA antibody were sustained for 6 months after delivery (P = 0.011). Comparison of colostral s-IgA and IgG in serum revealed a significant correlation only among Mengivax A&C vaccinees for pneumococcal polysaccharide 23F (rs= 0.68; P ≤ 0.0001). Vaccination elicited trends toward increased s-IgA2, reaching significance for serotype 14 and the vaccine formula. Immunization elicited significantly higher S-IgA avidities specific to all pneumococcal polysaccharide antigens studied during 6 months. Conclusions: The public health value of immunization during pregnancy with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in breast-feeding populations warrants further evaluation, particularly in populations with a high incidence of pneumococcal disease in early infancy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1023-1029
Number of pages7
JournalPediatric Infectious Disease Journal
Volume23
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Breast milk
  • Infant
  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine
  • Pregnancy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Serotype-specific pneumococcal antibodies in breast milk of Gambian women immunized with a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine during pregnancy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this