Sherif Bakir

Cairo University, Egypt

Title: A step ahead neonatal protection through maternal immunization

Abstract

Immunization has played a crucial role in eliminating or reducing the occurrence of devastating infections worldwide (Roush et al., 2007; Andre et al., 2008).

Historically, the susceptibility of the fetus to infections was believed to be due to the immaturity of the fetal immune system (1) and its tendency to mount tolerogenic responses to antigens.

Maternal vaccination, a form of immunization for women of childbearing age before, during or after pregnancy, aims at protecting the mother against infections that may threaten healthy reproduction and allowing vaccine-induced maternal antibodies to be transferred via placenta to the fetus and in colostrum and breast milk to the infant for protection against diseases before routine childhood immunization can be initiated.

Principles of maternal vaccination

Maternal vaccination generates active innate, humoral and cell-mediated immune protection in the mother to increase resistance against infections and reduce the chance of vertical transmission of infections to the fetus (Fig. 1A, left). In addition, maternal vaccination elicits systemic immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies that can be transferred to the fetus via the placenta in humans (Fig. 1A, middle and right) and mucosal IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies that are secreted into the colostrum and milk and ingested by the newborn during breastfeeding (Fig. 1B) to confer immune protection. Species vary in the contribution each route makes to the transfer of immunity. In humans and mice, maternal antibodies can be transferred via both routes.

Factors in favor of maternal immunization

• Infants less than 6 months are more vulnerable to viral and bacterial infections.

• Immature immune system in neonates and infants.

• Need for multiple doses in infants versus single maternal.

• Adequate maternal immune response.

• Safety of maternally derived antibodies.

• Protection during vulnerable period until immune responses are adequate to natural infection or immunization.

Potential problems of maternal immunization

• Safety for mothers and fetuses and need for exhaustive evaluation of candidate vaccines.

• Lack of protection of premature born infants <36 wks

• Unknown effects on infants immune responses to natural infection or active immunizations.

• Legal and regulatory issues.

Conclusion

• Neonates and children under 1 year are more vulnerable to infectious diseases.

• Maternal immunization during the last trimester confers good protection for both mothers and babies against many hazardous diseases.

Biography

TBA

4th World Congress on Primary Healthcare and Medicare Summit

Sherif Bakir

Title: A step ahead neonatal protection through maternal immunization

Abstract

Biography

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