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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Julian Thomas
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Background. Colonization with Helicobacter pylori generally occurs in infancy, and the microorganism is often acquired from close family members. Rate of infant colonization may be affected by maternal immune status. Methods. To investigate the potential protective effect of anti-H. pylori immunoglobulin G (IgG) acquired via the placenta, 65 mothers and their infants were studied from the infant's birth for 1 year. Circulating IgG antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in cord blood and every 8 weeks. Immunoblotting was performed on sera from infants with significant increases in IgG levels. Rate of infant H. pylori colonization was measured by 13C urea breath tests every 4 weeks from the age of 12 weeks. Results. Maternal and infant cord blood specific IgG levels were correlated (R2 = .747, p < .001). Infant H. pylori specific IgG fell 5-fold compared to maternal levels over the first 6 months of life, and rose subsequently in many cases, with the development of novel immunoblot patterns. There were no significant associations between the age at first positive urea breath test and maternal or infant cord specific H. pylori IgG levels. Conclusions. Transplacentally acquired specific IgG antibody does not protect infants from colonization by H. pylori.
Author(s): Bunn JEG, Thomas JE, Harding M, Coward WA, Weaver LT
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Helicobacter
Year: 2003
Volume: 8
Issue: 5
Pages: 568-572
Print publication date: 01/01/2003
ISSN (print): 1083-4389
ISSN (electronic): 1523-5378
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1523-5378.2003.00178.x
DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-5378.2003.00178.x
PubMed id: 14536004
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