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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Judith Bulmer
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Background. In clinical trials, maternal tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination is effective in protecting newborns against tetanus infection, but inadequate placental transfer of tetanus antibodies may contribute to lower-than-expected rates of protection in routine practice. We studied the effect of placental malaria and maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on placental transfer of antibodies to tetanus. Methods. A total of 704 maternal-cord paired serum samples were tested by ELISA for antibodies to tetanus. The HIV status of all women was determined by an immunoglobulin G antibody-capture particle-adherence test, and placental malaria was determined by placental biopsy. Maternal history of TT vaccination was recorded. Results. Tetanus antibody levels were reduced by 52% (95% confidence interval [CI], 30%-67%) in newborns of HIV-infected women and by 48% (95% CI, 26%-62%) in newborns whose mothers had active-chronic or past placental malaria. Thirty-seven mothers (5.3%) and 55 newborns (7.8%) had tetanus antibody levels <0.1 IU/mL (i.e., were seronegative). Mothers' self-reported history of lack of tetanus immunization was the strongest predictor of seronegativity and of tetanus antibody levels in maternal and cord serum. Conclusion. Malarial and HIV infections may hinder efforts to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus, making implementation of the current policy for mass vaccination of women of childbearing age an urgent priority. © 2007 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.
Author(s): Cumberland P, Shulman CE, Maple PAC, Bulmer JN, Dorman EK, Kawuondo K, Marsh K, Cutts FT
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Infectious Diseases
Year: 2007
Volume: 196
Issue: 4
Pages: 550-557
Print publication date: 15/08/2007
ISSN (print): 0022-1899
ISSN (electronic): 1537-6613
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/519845
DOI: 10.1086/519845
PubMed id: 17624840
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