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. 2011 Apr;204(4):334.e1-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.11.024. Epub 2011 Jan 26.

Maternal immunization with tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis vaccine: effect on maternal and neonatal serum antibody levels

Stanley A Gall  1 , John Myers, Michael Pichichero
Affiliations

Maternal immunization with tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis vaccine: effect on maternal and neonatal serum antibody levels

Stanley A Gall et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011 Apr.

Abstract

Objective: We sought to determine whether tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis vaccination (Tdap) in pregnancy provides newborns antibodies against pertussis when compared to mothers who did not receive Tdap.

Study design: Paired maternal and umbilical cord blood samples were collected at the time of delivery and the serum stored at -86°C. For each paired sample of maternal and cord blood, the medical chart and vaccine history was reviewed to determine whether Tdap was received or not.

Results: Newborns born from mothers who received Tdap during pregnancy had significantly higher concentrations of diphtheria antitoxin (P < .001), tetanus antitoxin (P = .004), and antibodies to pertussis toxin (P < .001), filamentous hemagglutinin (P = .002), pertactin (P < .001), and fimbriae 2/3 (P < .001) when compared to newborns from mothers who did not receive Tdap. There was a significant increase in the odds that newborns from mothers who received Tdap during pregnancy have antibodies that may provide protection against diphtheria (P = .0141), pertussis toxin (P < .0001), and fimbriae 2/3 (P = .0146).

Conclusion: Administering Tdap during pregnancy increases antibody titers against diphtheria and pertussis antigens. Maternal Tdap may prevent neonatal pertussis infection.

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