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Neonatal measles immunity in rural Kenya: The influence of HIV and placental malaria infections on placental transfer of antibodies and levels of antibody in maternal and cord serum samples

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Judith Bulmer

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Abstract

Introduction. Young infants are protected from measles infection by maternal measles antibodies. The level of these antibodies at birth depends on the level of antibodies in the mother and the extent of placental transfer. We investigated predictors of levels of measles antibodies in newborns in rural Kenya. Methods. A total of 747 paired maternal-cord serum samples (91 from human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]-infected and 656 from HIV-uninfected mothers) were tested for measles immunoglobulin G antibodies. Placental malaria infection was determined by biopsy. Data on pregnancy history, gestational age, and anthropometric and socioeconomic status were collected. Results. Infants born to HIV-infected mothers were more likely (odds ratio, 4.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.2-9.7]) to be seronegative and had 35.1% (95% CI, 9.8%-53.2%) lower levels of measles antibodies than did those born to HIV-uninfected mothers. Preterm delivery, early maternal age, and ethnic group were also associated with reduced levels of measles antibodies. There was little evidence that placental malaria infection was associated with levels of measles antibodies in newborns. Conclusion. Our results suggest that maternal HIV infection may reduce levels of measles antibodies in newborns. Low levels of measles antibodies at birth render children susceptible to measles infection at an early age. This is of concern in sub-Saharan African countries, where not only is the prevalence of HIV high, but measles is the cause of much morbidity and mortality. © 2005 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Scott S, Cumberland P, Shulman CE, Cousens S, Cohen BJ, Brown DWG, Bulmer JN, Dorman EK, Kawuondo K, Marsh K, Cutts F

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Journal of Infectious Diseases

Year: 2005

Volume: 191

Issue: 11

Pages: 1854-1860

ISSN (print): 0022-1899

ISSN (electronic): 1537-6613

Publisher: Oxford University Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/429963

DOI: 10.1086/429963

PubMed id: 15871118

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