Antibodies against vaccine-preventable diseases in pregnant women and their offspring in the eastern part of Germany

Abstract

Maternal and cord blood samples of 290 pregnant women in the eastern part of Germany with a mean age of 28 years (16-41 years) were analyzed for antibodies to vaccine-preventable diseases. Both mothers and infants had detectable levels of antibodies to mumps in 96% and to tetanus in 93% of cases. Detectable levels to poliomyelitis, diphtheria, measles and rubella varied from 55% to 91%. Cord blood samples had a significantly higher prevalence of antibodies to pertussis (61%) and diphtheria (81%) in comparison to maternal samples (pertussis 37%, diphtheria 70%) as well as significantly enhanced antibody concentrations to diphtheria. In conclusion, the prevalence of antibodies to pertussis (61%), diphtheria (81%), poliomyelitis (55-59%) and measles (85%) is suggested to be insufficient in newborn infants to protect them against these infectious diseases.