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Cherayil BJ, Jain N. From Womb to World: Exploring the Immunological Connections between Mother and Child. Immunohorizons 2024; 8:552-562. [PMID: 39172025 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2400032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Mother and child are immunologically interconnected by mechanisms that we are only beginning to understand. During pregnancy, multiple molecular and cellular factors of maternal origin are transferred across the placenta and influence the development and function of the fetal and newborn immune system. Altered maternal immune states arising from pregnancy-associated infections or immunizations have the potential to program offspring immune function in ways that may have long-term health consequences. In this study, we review current literature on the impact of prenatal infection and vaccination on the developing immune system, highlight knowledge gaps, and look to the horizon to envision maternal interventions that could benefit both the mother and her child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby J Cherayil
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Mass General for Children, Charlestown, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nitya Jain
- Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Mass General for Children, Charlestown, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA
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2
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Lam JN, Nehira J, Phung O, Deng B. Systematic Review: Safety and Efficacy of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines in Pregnant Women. J Pharm Pract 2024; 37:967-976. [PMID: 37605626 DOI: 10.1177/08971900231196065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Since pregnant women were excluded from clinical trials for vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is limited data on the safety and efficacy of vaccines in this population. This systematic review explored the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines in pregnant women. A literature search was performed using Ovid databases through November 2021 for all studies evaluated efficacy and safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women. A total of five studies including 42,782 women were included in the systematic review. Humoral immunity to COVID-19 was detected in pregnant women who received the vaccine and no differences found in spike-specific T-cell responses. Incidence of high-grade chronic villitis is higher in the unvaccinated group with adjusted odds ratio of .31 (.1-.97), P < .05. Vaccination in pregnant women resulted in 12.6% spontaneous abortions (SAB) with 92.3% occurring in the first trimester, .1% stillbirth (>20 weeks gestation), 9.4% preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation), and 2.2% congenital abnormalities. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are immunogenic in pregnant women and no obvious safety concerns observed. There is no increased incidence of adverse reactions in pregnant women. Our finding supports that pregnant women should receive the vaccination at their earliest convenience regardless of trimester.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olivia Phung
- Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences, California Northstate University College of Pharmacy, Elk Grove, CA, USA
| | - Bin Deng
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, West Coast University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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3
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Kaczynski M, Vassilopoulos A, Vassilopoulos S, Sisti A, Benitez G, Tran QL, Mylona EK, Shehadeh F, Rogers R, Mylonakis E. Temporal trends and characteristics associated with racial, ethnic, and sex representation in COVID-19 clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Contemp Clin Trials 2024; 143:107578. [PMID: 38789079 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2024.107578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early in the pandemic, extensive attention was cast on limited inclusion of historically underrepresented patient populations in COVID-19 clinical trials. How diverse representation improved following these initial reports remains unclear. METHODS PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched (through April 2024) for US-based COVID-19 trials. Utilizing random-effects, we compared expected proportions of trial participants from racial and ethnic groups and of female sex between trials enrolling primarily in 2020 versus primarily 2021-2022. Meta-regression was performed to assess associations between trial characteristics and group representation. RESULTS We retrieved 157 studies comprising 198,012 participants. White (2020: 63.1% [95% CI, 60.8%-67.3%]; 2021-2022: 73.8% [95% CI, 71.5%-76.0%]) and female representation (2020: 46.1% [95% CI, 44.7%-47.4%)]; 2021-2022: 51.1% [95% CI, 49.3%-52.8%) increased across enrollment periods. Industry-sponsored trials were associated with higher White (coefficient, 0.10 [95% CI, 0.03-0.18]) and Hispanic or Latinx representation (coefficient, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.08-0.25]) and lower Asian (coefficient, -0.03 [95% CI, -0.06- -0.003]) and female representation (coefficient, -0.03 [95% CI, -0.07- -0.002]). Outpatient trials were associated with higher White (coefficient, 0.20 [95% CI, 0.13-0.26]) and female representation (coefficient, 0.16 [95% CI, 0.13-0.18]), and lower Black representation (coefficient, -0.10 [95% CI, -0.10- -0.08]). CONCLUSIONS Despite improved female representation in COVID-19 trials over time, there was no clear increase in non-White representation. Trial characteristics such as primary sponsor, clinical setting, and intervention type correlate with representation of specific demographic groups and should be considered in future efforts to improve participant diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kaczynski
- Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Athanasios Vassilopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Stephanos Vassilopoulos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Anthony Sisti
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Gregorio Benitez
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Quynh-Lam Tran
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Evangelia K Mylona
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fadi Shehadeh
- Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA; School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ralph Rogers
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
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Budylowski P, Chau SLL, Banerjee A, Guvenc F, Samson R, Hu Q, Fiddes L, Seifried L, Chao G, Buchholz M, Estacio A, Cheatley PL, Pavenski K, Patriquin CJ, Liu Y, Sheikh-Mohamed S, Crasta K, Yue F, Pasic MD, Mossman K, Gingras AC, Gommerman JL, Ehrhardt GRA, Mubareka S, Ostrowski M. A Significant Contribution of the Classical Pathway of Complement in SARS-CoV-2 Neutralization of Convalescent and Vaccinee Sera. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:1922-1931. [PMID: 38683124 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Although high titers of neutralizing Abs in human serum are associated with protection from reinfection by SARS-CoV-2, there is considerable heterogeneity in human serum-neutralizing Abs against SARS-CoV-2 during convalescence between individuals. Standard human serum live virus neutralization assays require inactivation of serum/plasma prior to testing. In this study, we report that the SARS-CoV-2 neutralization titers of human convalescent sera were relatively consistent across all disease states except for severe COVID-19, which yielded significantly higher neutralization titers. Furthermore, we show that heat inactivation of human serum significantly lowered neutralization activity in a live virus SARS-CoV-2 neutralization assay. Heat inactivation of human convalescent serum was shown to inactivate complement proteins, and the contribution of complement in SARS-CoV-2 neutralization was often >50% of the neutralizing activity of human sera without heat inactivation and could account for neutralizing activity when standard titers were zero after heat inactivation. This effect was also observed in COVID-19 vaccinees and could be abolished in individuals who were undergoing treatment with therapeutic anti-complement Abs. Complement activity was mainly dependent on the classical pathway with little contributions from mannose-binding lectin and alternative pathways. Our study demonstrates the importance of the complement pathway in significantly increasing viral neutralization activity against SARS-CoV-2 in spike seropositive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Budylowski
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Serena L L Chau
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arinjay Banerjee
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Furkan Guvenc
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Reuben Samson
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Queenie Hu
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsey Fiddes
- Microscopy Imaging Lab, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laurie Seifried
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary Chao
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Megan Buchholz
- Apheresis Unit, Kidney and Metabolism Program, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antonio Estacio
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patti Lou Cheatley
- Apheresis Unit, Kidney and Metabolism Program, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katerina Pavenski
- Apheresis Unit, Kidney and Metabolism Program, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher J Patriquin
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yanling Liu
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Kimberly Crasta
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - FengYun Yue
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria D Pasic
- Department of Immunology, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Mossman
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Götz R A Ehrhardt
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samira Mubareka
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mario Ostrowski
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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5
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Wang S, Wang N, Yao G, Su Y, Qi L. The type of COVID-19 vaccination does not affect reproductive function and pregnancy outcomes in infertile couples. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1356938. [PMID: 38948529 PMCID: PMC11211519 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1356938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies on the effect of vaccine type and two other vaccines other than inactivated vaccines approved in China on in vitro fertilization (IVF) pregnancy outcomes are rare. To complement and confirm the existing findings, this research aimed to investigate whether there are adverse effects of different vaccine types in females and males on reproductive function and clinical pregnancy. Methods This retrospective study enrolled 6,455 fresh embryo transfer cycles at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between May 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022. The primary outcome is the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR). At the same time, the secondary results are the number of oocytes retrieved, two pronuclei (2PN) rate, blastocyst formation rate, high-quality blastocyst rate, and semen parameters (volume, density, sperm count, forward motility rate, total motility rate, immobility rate, and DNA fragment index (DFI) rate). Results In the comparison of ovarian stimulation indicators, no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in Gn days, endometrial thickness, 2PN rate, metaphase 2 (MII) rate, high-quality embryo rate, and blastocyst formation rate. No significant differences (P>0.05) were found in age, body mass index (BMI), education level, and semen parameters (volume, density, sperm count, forward motility rate, total motility rate, immobility rate, and DFI rate) in these four groups. The multivariate regression model showed that neither the types of vaccines nor the vaccination status of both infertile couples significantly affected clinical pregnancy. Discussion The type of vaccine does not appear to have an unfavorable effect on ovarian stimulation, embryo development, semen parameters, and clinical pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yingchun Su
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Qi
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Muñoz-Gómez MJ, Martin-Vicente M, Vigil-Vazquez S, Carrasco I, Lobo AH, Mas V, Vázquez M, Manzanares A, Cano O, Zamora C, Alonso R, Sepulveda-Crespo D, Tarancon-Diez L, Muñoz-Fernández MÁ, Muñoz-Chapuli M, Resino S, Navarro ML, Martinez I. IgG antibody levels against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in mother-child dyads after COVID-19 vaccination. Infection 2024; 52:813-824. [PMID: 37898587 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02111-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to assess IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (anti-SARS-CoV-2 S IgG) in vaccinated mothers and their infants at delivery and 2-3 months of age. METHODS We conducted a prospective study on mothers who received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BNT162b2, Moderna mRNA-1273, or Oxford-AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S) during pregnancy and on their infants. The baseline was at the time of delivery (n = 93), and the end of follow-up was 2 to 3 months post-partum (n = 53). Serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 S IgG titers and ACE2 binding inhibition levels were quantified by immunoassays. RESULTS Mothers and infants had high anti-SARS-CoV-2 S IgG titers against the B.1 lineage at birth. However, while antibody titers were maintained at 2-3 months post-partum in mothers, they decreased significantly in infants (p < 0.001). Positive and significant correlations were found between anti-SARS-CoV-2 S IgG titers and ACE2-binding inhibition levels in mothers and infants at birth and 2-3 months post-partum (r > 0.8, p < 0.001). Anti-S antibodies were also quantified for the Omicron variant at 2-3 months post-partum. The antibody titers against Omicron were significantly lower in mothers and infants than those against B.1 (p < 0.001). Again, a positive correlation was observed for Omicron between IgG titers and ACE2-binding inhibition both in mothers (r = 0.818, p < 0.001) and infants (r = 0.386, p < 0.005). Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination near delivery positively impacted anti-SARS-CoV-2 S IgG levels. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 mRNA vaccines induce high anti-SARS-CoV-2 S titers in pregnant women, which can inhibit the binding of ACE2 to protein S and are efficiently transferred to the fetus. However, there was a rapid decrease in antibody levels at 2 to 3 months post-partum, particularly in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Muñoz-Gómez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Martin-Vicente
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Vigil-Vazquez
- Sevicio de Neonatología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Itziar Carrasco
- Sevicio de Neonatología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Hernanz Lobo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Infectología Pediátrica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Mas
- Unidad de Biología Viral, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Vázquez
- Unidad de Biología Viral, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angela Manzanares
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Olga Cano
- Unidad de Biología Viral, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Clara Zamora
- Servicio de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Alonso
- Departamento de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Sepulveda-Crespo
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Tarancon-Diez
- Laboratorio de InmunoBiología Molecular, Sección de Inmunología. Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Muñoz-Fernández
- Laboratorio de InmunoBiología Molecular, Sección de Inmunología. Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Spanish HIV-HGM BioBank, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Muñoz-Chapuli
- Servicio de Obstetricia y Ginecología, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Maria Luisa Navarro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Infectología Pediátrica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isidoro Martinez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Valdes Y, Ledesma B, Reddy RV, Paz R, Deshmukh S, Collazo I, Bustillo M, Montenegro M, Eisermann J, Palmerola K, Arora H. COVID-19 Vaccination and Reproductive Health: a Comprehensive Review for Healthcare Providers. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:1215-1226. [PMID: 38151655 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01428-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
With all the current misinformation on social media platforms about the COVID-19 vaccine and its potential effects on fertility, it is essential for healthcare providers to have evidenced-based research to educate their patients, especially those who are trying to conceive, of the risks to mothers and fetuses of being unvaccinated. It is well known that COVID-19 infection puts pregnant women at higher risk of complications, including ICU admission, placentitis, stillbirth, and death. In February of 2021, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) released a statement denying any link between COVID vaccination and infertility. ASRM later confirmed and stated that "everyone, including pregnant women and those seeking to become pregnant, should get a COVID-19 vaccine". In this review, we aim to provide a compilation of data that denies any link between vaccination and infertility for healthcare providers to be able to educate their patients based on evidence-based medicine. We also reviewed the effect of COVID-19 virus and vaccination on various parameters and processes that are essential to obtaining a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaima Valdes
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Braian Ledesma
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Raghuram V Reddy
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Romy Paz
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Sameer Deshmukh
- Department of Medicine, Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Government Medical College, Nanded, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ineabelle Collazo
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Maria Bustillo
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Marta Montenegro
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Juergen Eisermann
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA
| | - Katherine Palmerola
- South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine, IVFMD, 7300 SW 62nd Place, 4th Floor, South Miami, FL, 33143, USA.
| | - Himanshu Arora
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1150 N.W. 14th St., Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33143, USA.
- The Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
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8
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Kalafat E, Talay ZG, Demirci O, Ayaz R, Çelik E, Can F. Neutralizing antibody levels and cellular immune response against Omicron variant in pregnant women vaccinated with mRNA and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 63:699-700. [PMID: 38011582 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E Kalafat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Z Gülçe Talay
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - O Demirci
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zeynep Kamil Women's and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - R Ayaz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - E Çelik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - F Can
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Koç University İşbank Center for Infectious Diseases (KUISCID), Istanbul, Turkey
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9
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Sabharwal V, Taglauer E, Demos R, Snyder-Cappione J, Shaik-Dasthagirisaheb YB, Parker-Kelleher S, Hunnewell J, Boateng J, Clarke K, Yuen R, Barnett ED, Wachman EM, Yarrington CD. Comparison of Anti-SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibody Signatures in Maternal and Infant Blood after COVID-19 Infection versus COVID-19 Vaccination during Pregnancy. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2970-e2977. [PMID: 37774748 DOI: 10.1055/a-2183-9109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine for pregnant persons to prevent severe illness and death. The objective was to examine levels of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG, IgM, and IgA against spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid protein (NCP) in maternal and infant/cord blood at delivery after COVID 19 vaccination compared with SARS-CoV-2 infection at in mother-infant dyads at specified time points. STUDY DESIGN Mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 31) or COVID-19 vaccination (n = 25) during pregnancy were enrolled between July 2020 and November 2021. Samples were collected at delivery and IgG, IgM, and IgA to RBD of spike and NCPs compared in the infected and vaccinated groups. Timing of infection/vaccination prior to delivery and correlation with antibody levels was performed. RESULTS The majority of participants received vaccination within 90 days of delivery and over half received the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine. There were no significant correlations between antibody levels and timing of infection or vaccination. Infant IgG levels to the RBD domain of spike protein were higher in the vaccinated group (n = 25) as compared with the infants born to mothers with infection (n = 31). Vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy was associated with detectable maternal and infant anti-RBD IgG levels at delivery irrespective of the timing of vaccination. CONCLUSION Timing of vaccination had no correlation to the antibody levels suggesting that the timing of maternal vaccination in the cohort did not matter. There was no IgM detected in infants from vaccinated mothers. Infants from vaccinated mothers had robust IgG titers to RBD, which have a lasting protective effect in infants. KEY POINTS · COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy had detectable antibody.. · No correlation between antibody levels and timing of vaccination.. · Infants from vaccinated mothers had robust IgG titers to RBD..
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Riley Demos
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Jeffery Boateng
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Katherine Clarke
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rachel Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Elisha M Wachman
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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10
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Fernández-García S, Del Campo-Albendea L, Sambamoorthi D, Sheikh J, Lau K, Osei-Lah N, Ramkumar A, Naidu H, Stoney N, Sundaram P, Sengupta P, Mehta S, Attarde S, Maddock S, Manning M, Meherally Z, Ansari K, Lawson H, Yap M, Kew T, Punnoose A, Knight C, Sadeqa E, Cherian J, Ravi S, Chen W, Walker K, O'Donoghue K, van Wely M, van Leeuwen E, Kostova E, Kunst H, Khalil A, Brizuela V, Kara E, Kim CR, Thorson A, Oladapo OT, Mofenson L, Gottlieb SL, Bonet M, Moss N, Zamora J, Allotey J, Thangaratinam S. Effectiveness and safety of COVID-19 vaccines on maternal and perinatal outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e014247. [PMID: 38580375 PMCID: PMC11002410 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of COVID-19 vaccines in women before or during pregnancy on SARS-CoV-2 infection-related, pregnancy, offspring and reactogenicity outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Major databases between December 2019 and January 2023. STUDY SELECTION Nine pairs of reviewers contributed to study selection. We included test-negative designs, comparative cohorts and randomised trials on effects of COVID-19 vaccines on infection-related and pregnancy outcomes. Non-comparative cohort studies reporting reactogenicity outcomes were also included. QUALITY ASSESSMENT, DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently assessed study quality and extracted data. We undertook random-effects meta-analysis and reported findings as HRs, risk ratios (RRs), ORs or rates with 95% CIs. RESULTS Sixty-seven studies (1 813 947 women) were included. Overall, in test-negative design studies, pregnant women fully vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine had 61% reduced odds of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.75; 4 studies, 23 927 women; I2=87.2%) and 94% reduced odds of hospital admission (OR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.71; 2 studies, 868 women; I2=92%). In adjusted cohort studies, the risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy was reduced by 12% (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.92; 2 studies; 115 085 women), while caesarean section was reduced by 9% (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.98; 6 studies; 30 192 women). We observed an 8% reduction in the risk of neonatal intensive care unit admission (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97; 2 studies; 54 569 women) in babies born to vaccinated versus not vaccinated women. In general, vaccination during pregnancy was not associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy or perinatal outcomes. Pain at the injection site was the most common side effect reported (77%, 95% CI 52% to 94%; 11 studies; 27 195 women). CONCLUSION COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and related complications in pregnant women. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020178076.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Fernández-García
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Laura Del Campo-Albendea
- Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jameela Sheikh
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Karen Lau
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nana Osei-Lah
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anoushka Ramkumar
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Harshitha Naidu
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nicole Stoney
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paul Sundaram
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Samay Mehta
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shruti Attarde
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sophie Maddock
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Millie Manning
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Kehkashan Ansari
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Heidi Lawson
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Magnus Yap
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tania Kew
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andriya Punnoose
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Chloe Knight
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Eyna Sadeqa
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jiya Cherian
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sangamithra Ravi
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Wentin Chen
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | | | | | - Madelon van Wely
- Amsterdam UMC Location AMC Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth van Leeuwen
- Amsterdam UMC Location AMC Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Kostova
- Amsterdam UMC Location AMC Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Heinke Kunst
- Queen Mary University of London Blizard Institute, London, UK
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Asma Khalil
- St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Vanessa Brizuela
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Edna Kara
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Caron Rahn Kim
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Anna Thorson
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Olufemi T Oladapo
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Lynne Mofenson
- Research, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Sami L Gottlieb
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Mercedes Bonet
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneve, Switzerland
| | | | - Javier Zamora
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Clinical Biostatistics Unit, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERESP, Madrid, Spain
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Centre (BRC), University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - John Allotey
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Centre (BRC), University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shakila Thangaratinam
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Centre (BRC), University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
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11
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Proto A, Agliardi S, Pani A, Renica S, Gazzaniga G, Giossi R, Senatore M, Di Ruscio F, Campisi D, Vismara C, Panetta V, Scaglione F, Martinelli S. COVID-Vaccines in Pregnancy: Maternal and Neonatal Response over the First 9 Months after Delivery. Biomolecules 2024; 14:435. [PMID: 38672452 PMCID: PMC11048428 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated to be safe during gestation. Nevertheless, there are no robust data investigating the entity of maternal antibodies' transmission through the placenta to the newborn and the persistence of the antibodies in babies' serum. The objective of this study is to assess the maternal antibody transmission and kinetics among newborns in the first months of life. Women having received one or two doses of anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-vaccines during pregnancy at any gestational age, and their newborns, were recruited and followed-up over 9 months. Ninety-eight women and 103 babies were included. At birth, we observed a significant positive correlation between maternal and neonatal serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels and a significant negative correlation between the time since last dose and antibody levels in mothers with two doses. Over the follow-up, the birth antibody level significantly decreased in time according to the received doses number at 3, 6, and 9 months. During the follow-up, we registered 34 dyad SARS-CoV-2 infection cases. The decreasing trend was slower in the SARS-CoV-2 infection group and among breastfed non-infected babies. Antibodies from maternal anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are efficiently transferred via the placenta and potentially even through breast milk. Among newborns, antibodies show relevant durability in the first months of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Proto
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20161 Milan, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Stefano Agliardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Arianna Pani
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.P.); (F.S.)
| | - Silvia Renica
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Postgraduate School of Microbiology and Virology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.R.); (F,D,R.)
| | - Gianluca Gazzaniga
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Postgraduate School of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Giossi
- Chemical-Clinical and Microbiological Analyses Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20161 Milan, Italy; (R.G.); (M.S.); (D.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Michele Senatore
- Chemical-Clinical and Microbiological Analyses Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20161 Milan, Italy; (R.G.); (M.S.); (D.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Federica Di Ruscio
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Postgraduate School of Microbiology and Virology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (S.R.); (F,D,R.)
| | - Daniela Campisi
- Chemical-Clinical and Microbiological Analyses Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20161 Milan, Italy; (R.G.); (M.S.); (D.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Chiara Vismara
- Chemical-Clinical and Microbiological Analyses Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20161 Milan, Italy; (R.G.); (M.S.); (D.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Valentina Panetta
- L’altrastatisticasrl, Consultancy & Training, Biostatistics Office, 00174 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Scaglione
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.P.); (F.S.)
- Chemical-Clinical and Microbiological Analyses Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20161 Milan, Italy; (R.G.); (M.S.); (D.C.); (C.V.)
| | - Stefano Martinelli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20161 Milan, Italy; (A.P.); (S.M.)
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12
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Li D, Zhang J, Zhang X, Chang Y, Vermund SH. Maternal and Newborn Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and Pregnancy: Parallels and Contrasts with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. MEDICAL RESEARCH ARCHIVES 2024; 12:10.18103/mra.v12i4.5205. [PMID: 39118854 PMCID: PMC11309002 DOI: 10.18103/mra.v12i4.5205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Our review aims to compare and contrast Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19's impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes. We have made significant progress in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome prevention and treatment over the last few decades. Drawing on empirical evidence with past public health crises can offer valuable insights into dealing with current and future pandemics. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct a comparative analysis of the resemblances and disparities existing between Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.This research endeavor represents a pioneering and all-encompassing examination, aiming to discern and comprehend the parallels and contrasts in the respective impacts of SARS-CoV-2 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus on pregnancy. Recent Findings Based on the current evidence, there is no indication that pregnancy increases women's susceptibility to acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus or SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, the state of being pregnant was correlated with the worsening of diseases and their progression. Both Human Immunodeficiency Virus and SARS-CoV-2 pose increased risks of maternal mortality and several obstetric complications, including premature birth and pre-eclampsia. While the vertical transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus is well-established, a comprehensive understanding of the vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 remains elusive, emphasizing the need for further investigations. Initial data suggest low SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission rates in the setting of proper preventative interventions and universal screening. A cesarean delivery could reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected women with high viral loads or poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, it did not offer additional protection for Human Immunodeficiency Virus-infected women who adhered to Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy or those with COVID-19. Human Immunodeficiency Virus and SARS-CoV-2 were linked to neonatal complications such as stillbirth, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. The universal testing of both pregnant patients and neonates is an effective strategy to prevent the spread and complications of both Human Immunodeficiency Virus and SARS-CoV-2. Human Immunodeficiency Virus control largely relies on preventing vertical transmission and medications during pregnancy and postpartum, whereas safety behaviors and vaccines have proven effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmissions. Summary This review aims to compare and contrast the impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy outcomes, vertical transmissions, delivery modalities, neonatal outcomes, and clinical management. SARS-CoV-2 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus were associated with significant obstetric-related complications, making close clinical monitoring and preparation essential. Integration of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 management with reproductive health services is crucial to ensuring maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our review is not only the first to establish a groundwork for the current state of knowledge and its clinical implications on this topic, but it also sheds new insights for future research directions.Comparing Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and SARS-CoV-2 in terms of their impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes provides valuable insights despite their differences. Leveraging Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome research can help understand SARS-CoV-2 effects on pregnancy. Both infections pose risks to pregnant individuals and their fetuses, leading to increased maternal mortality and complications. Identifying common patterns and risk factors can improve clinical management for pregnant individuals with SARS-CoV-2. While a direct observational study for this comparison may not be feasible, comparing with Human Immunodeficiency Virus offers an ethical and practical approach. However, specific studies on SARS-CoV-2 are still necessary to gather detailed data on maternal and fetal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Shunyi Maternal and Children’s Hospital of Beijing Children’s Hospital, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Xiaofen Zhang
- Shunyi Maternal and Children’s Hospital of Beijing Children’s Hospital, Beijing 101300, China
| | - Yifan Chang
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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13
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St Clair LA, Eldesouki RE, Sachithanandham J, Yin A, Fall A, Morris CP, Norton JM, Abdullah O, Dhakal S, Barranta C, Golding H, Bersoff-Matcha SJ, Pilgrim-Grayson C, Berhane L, Cox AL, Burd I, Pekosz A, Mostafa HH, Klein EY, Klein SL. Reduced control of SARS-CoV-2 infection associates with lower mucosal antibody responses in pregnancy. mSphere 2024; 9:e0081223. [PMID: 38426787 PMCID: PMC10964408 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00812-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnant patients are at greater risk of hospitalization with severe COVID-19 than non-pregnant people. This was a retrospective observational cohort study of remnant clinical specimens from patients who visited acute care hospitals within the Johns Hopkins Health System in the Baltimore, MD-Washington DC, area between October 2020 and May 2022. Participants included confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected pregnant people and matched non-pregnant people (the matching criteria included age, race/ethnicity, area deprivation index, insurance status, and vaccination status to ensure matched demographics). The primary dependent measures were clinical COVID-19 outcomes, infectious virus recovery, viral RNA levels, and mucosal anti-spike (S) IgG titers from upper respiratory tract samples. A total of 452 individuals (117 pregnant and 335 non-pregnant) were included in the study, with both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals represented. Pregnant patients were at increased risk of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] = 4.2; confidence interval [CI] = 2.0-8.6), intensive care unit admittance (OR = 4.5; CI = 1.2-14.2), and being placed on supplemental oxygen therapy (OR = 3.1; CI = 1.3-6.9). Individuals infected during their third trimester had higher mucosal anti-S IgG titers and lower viral RNA levels (P < 0.05) than those infected during their first or second trimesters. Pregnant individuals experiencing breakthrough infections due to the Omicron variant had reduced anti-S IgG compared to non-pregnant patients (P < 0.05). The observed increased severity of COVID-19 and reduced mucosal antibody responses particularly among pregnant participants infected with the Omicron variant suggest that maintaining high levels of SARS-CoV-2 immunity through booster vaccines may be important for the protection of this at-risk population.IMPORTANCEIn this retrospective observational cohort study, we analyzed remnant clinical samples from non-pregnant and pregnant individuals with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections who visited the Johns Hopkins Hospital System between October 2020 and May 2022. Disease severity, including intensive care unit admission, was greater among pregnant than non-pregnant patients. Vaccination reduced recovery of infectious virus and viral RNA levels in non-pregnant patients, but not in pregnant patients. In pregnant patients, increased nasopharyngeal viral RNA levels and recovery of infectious virus were associated with reduced mucosal IgG antibody responses, especially among women in their first trimester of pregnancy or experiencing breakthrough infections from Omicron variants. Taken together, this study provides insights into how pregnant patients are at greater risk of severe COVID-19. The novelty of this study is that it focuses on the relationship between the mucosal antibody response and its association with virus load and disease outcomes in pregnant people, whereas previous studies have focused on serological immunity. Vaccination status, gestational age, and SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant impact mucosal antibody responses and recovery of infectious virus from pregnant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A. St Clair
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Raghda E. Eldesouki
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Medical Genetics Unit, School of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Jaiprasath Sachithanandham
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anna Yin
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amary Fall
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C. Paul Morris
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Julie M. Norton
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Omar Abdullah
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Santosh Dhakal
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Caelan Barranta
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hana Golding
- Division of Viral Products, Center of Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Catherine Pilgrim-Grayson
- Division of Urology, Obstetrics, and Gynecology, Office of Rare Diseases, Pediatrics, Urologic and Reproductive Medicine and Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Leah Berhane
- Division of Urology, Obstetrics, and Gynecology, Office of Rare Diseases, Pediatrics, Urologic and Reproductive Medicine and Office of New Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea L. Cox
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Bloomberg Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Irina Burd
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Heba H. Mostafa
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Microbiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Eili Y. Klein
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy, United Nations Office for Disease Risk Reduction, Washington DC, USA
| | - Sabra L. Klein
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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14
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Faherty EAG, Wilkins KJ, Jones S, Challa A, Qin Q, Chan LE, Olson-Chen C, Tarleton JL, Liebman MN, Mariona F, Hill EL, Patel RC. Pregnancy Outcomes among Pregnant Persons after COVID-19 Vaccination: Assessing Vaccine Safety in Retrospective Cohort Analysis of U.S. National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C). Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:289. [PMID: 38543923 PMCID: PMC10975285 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12030289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be effective in preventing severe illness, including among pregnant persons. The vaccines appear to be safe in pregnancy, supporting a continuously favorable overall risk/benefit profile, though supportive data for the U.S. over different periods of variant predominance are lacking. We sought to analyze the association of adverse pregnancy outcomes with COVID-19 vaccinations in the pre-Delta, Delta, and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants' dominant periods (constituting 50% or more of each pregnancy) for pregnant persons in a large, nationally sampled electronic health record repository in the U.S. Our overall analysis included 311,057 pregnant persons from December 2020 to October 2023 at a time when there were approximately 3.6 million births per year. We compared rates of preterm births and stillbirths among pregnant persons who were vaccinated before or during pregnancy to persons vaccinated after pregnancy or those who were not vaccinated. We performed a multivariable Poisson regression with generalized estimated equations to address data site heterogeneity for preterm births and unadjusted exact models for stillbirths, stratified by the dominant variant period. We found lower rates of preterm birth in the majority of modeled periods (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] range: 0.42 to 0.85; p-value range: <0.001 to 0.06) and lower rates of stillbirth (IRR range: 0.53 to 1.82; p-value range: <0.001 to 0.976) in most periods among those who were vaccinated before or during pregnancy compared to those who were vaccinated after pregnancy or not vaccinated. We largely found no adverse associations between COVID-19 vaccination and preterm birth or stillbirth; these findings reinforce the safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and bolster confidence for pregnant persons, providers, and policymakers in the importance of COVID-19 vaccination for this group despite the end of the public health emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. G. Faherty
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kenneth J. Wilkins
- Biostatistics Program, Office of the Director, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Sara Jones
- Office of Data Science and Emerging Technologies, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Anup Challa
- Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA;
| | - Qiuyuan Qin
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; (Q.Q.); (E.L.H.)
| | - Lauren E. Chan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Courtney Olson-Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA;
| | - Jessica L. Tarleton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | | | - Federico Mariona
- Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA;
- School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Elaine L. Hill
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; (Q.Q.); (E.L.H.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14620, USA;
| | - Rena C. Patel
- Departments of Medicine and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
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15
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Cardemil CV, Cao Y, Posavad CM, Badell ML, Bunge K, Mulligan MJ, Parameswaran L, Olson-Chen C, Novak RM, Brady RC, DeFranco E, Gerber JS, Pasetti M, Shriver M, Coler R, Berube B, Suthar MS, Moreno A, Gao F, Richardson BA, Beigi R, Brown E, Neuzil KM, Munoz FM. Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination and Prevention of Symptomatic Infection in Infants. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023064252. [PMID: 38332733 PMCID: PMC10904887 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-064252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Maternal vaccination may prevent infant coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to quantify protection against infection from maternally derived vaccine-induced antibodies in the first 6 months of an infant's life. METHODS Infants born to mothers vaccinated during pregnancy with 2 or 3 doses of a messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccine (nonboosted or boosted, respectively) had full-length spike (Spike) immunoglobulin G (IgG), pseudovirus 614D, and live virus D614G, and omicron BA.1 and BA.5 neutralizing antibody (nAb) titers measured at delivery. Infant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was determined by verified maternal-report and laboratory confirmation through prospective follow-up to 6 months of age between December 2021 and July 2022. The risk reduction for infection by dose group and antibody titer level was estimated in separate models. RESULTS Infants of boosted mothers (n = 204) had significantly higher Spike IgG, pseudovirus, and live nAb titers at delivery than infants of nonboosted mothers (n = 271), and were 56% less likely to acquire infection in the first 6 months (P = .03). Irrespective of boost, for each 10-fold increase in Spike IgG titer at delivery, the infant's risk of acquiring infection was reduced by 47% (95% confidence interval 8%-70%; P = .02). Similarly, a 10-fold increase in pseudovirus titers against Wuhan Spike, and live virus nAb titers against D614G, and omicron BA.1 and BA.5 at delivery were associated with a 30%, 46%, 56%, and 60% risk reduction, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Higher transplacental binding and nAb titers substantially reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants, and a booster dose amplified protection during a period of omicron predominance. Until infants are age-eligible for vaccination, maternal vaccination provides passive protection against symptomatic infection during early infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina V. Cardemil
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Yi Cao
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Christine M. Posavad
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Martina L. Badell
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University Hospital Midtown Perinatal Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Katherine Bunge
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark J. Mulligan
- New York University Langone Vaccine Center, and Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lalitha Parameswaran
- New York University Langone Vaccine Center, and Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Courtney Olson-Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Richard M. Novak
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rebecca C. Brady
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Emily DeFranco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Jeffrey S. Gerber
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marcela Pasetti
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mallory Shriver
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rhea Coler
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, Washington
| | - Bryan Berube
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, Washington
| | - Mehul S. Suthar
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alberto Moreno
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Fei Gao
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Barbra A. Richardson
- Departments of Biostatistics and Global Health, University of Washington, Divisions of Vaccine and Infectious Disease and Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Richard Beigi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth Brown
- Departments of Biostatistics and Global Health, University of Washington, Divisions of Vaccine and Infectious Disease and Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kathleen M. Neuzil
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Flor M. Munoz
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas
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16
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Applebaum J, Humphries LA, Kravitz E, Taberski S, Koelper N, Gracia C, Berger DS. Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination on live birth rates after in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:452-459. [PMID: 38043842 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination on the live birth rates in patients who underwent in vitro fertilization. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Academic fertility practice. PATIENT(S) Patients who underwent fresh or frozen embryo transfer cycles at an academic center between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. INTERVENTION(S) Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination, defined as completing a 2-dose regimen (Pfizer or Moderna) or 1-dose regimen (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) before cycle initiation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was the live birth rate per embryo transfer. The secondary outcomes included positive human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and clinical pregnancy rates per embryo transfer. The outcomes from cycles among vaccinated and unvaccinated patients were compared. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic and cycle characteristics using the Student t test and Wilcoxon rank sum, Pearson chi-square, and Fisher exact tests as appropriate for univariate analysis. Generalized estimating equation models were used to examine the strength of the relationship between vaccination status and pregnancy outcomes. RESULT(S) Among 709 unvaccinated and 648 vaccinated fresh cycles, no statistically significant differences were observed between the number of oocytes retrieved, oocyte maturity, fertilization, and blastocyst utilization rates. In the adjusted multivariate analysis, no statistically significant differences were noted between fresh cycles among vaccinated patients compared with those among unvaccinated patients with the rates of positive hCG (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-2.25), clinical pregnancy (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.73-2.03), or live birth (aOR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.79-2.25) per embryo transfer. Among 264 unvaccinated and 423 vaccinated frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles, vaccinated patients had higher odds of positive hCG (aOR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.08-2.20), clinical pregnancy (aOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.27-2.56), and live birth (aOR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.60-3.32) per embryo transfer than unvaccinated patients. CONCLUSION(S) Patients who were COVID-19 vaccinated before FET had higher rates of biochemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and live birth. Vaccination was not associated with the pregnancy or live birth rates after fresh cycles. This study contributes to evidence supporting COVID-19 vaccination for patients attempting pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Applebaum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Leigh A Humphries
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth Kravitz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Nathanael Koelper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Clarisa Gracia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Dara S Berger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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17
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Jaswa EG, Cedars MI, Lindquist KJ, Bishop SL, Kim YS, Kaing A, Prahl M, Gaw SL, Corley J, Hoskin E, Cho YJ, Rogers E, Huddleston HG. In Utero Exposure to Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination and Offspring Neurodevelopment at 12 and 18 Months. JAMA Pediatr 2024; 178:258-265. [PMID: 38252445 PMCID: PMC10804280 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Importance Uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant individuals was hampered by safety concerns around potential risks to unborn children. Data clarifying early neurodevelopmental outcomes of offspring exposed to COVID-19 vaccination in utero are lacking. Objective To determine whether in utero exposure to maternal COVID-19 vaccination was associated with differences in scores on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, third edition (ASQ-3), at 12 and 18 months of age. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective cohort study, Assessing the Safety of Pregnancy During the Coronavirus Pandemic (ASPIRE), enrolled pregnant participants from May 2020 to August 2021; follow-up of children from these pregnancies is ongoing. Participants, which included pregnant individuals and their offspring from all 50 states, self-enrolled online. Study activities were performed remotely. Exposure In utero exposure of the fetus to maternal COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy was compared with those unexposed. Main Outcomes and Measures Neurodevelopmental scores on validated ASQ-3, completed by birth mothers at 12 and 18 months. A score below the established cutoff in any of 5 subdomains (communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, social skills) constituted an abnormal screen for developmental delay. Results A total of 2487 pregnant individuals (mean [SD] age, 33.3 [4.2] years) enrolled at less than 10 weeks' gestation and completed research activities, yielding a total of 2261 and 1940 infants aged 12 and 18 months, respectively, with neurodevelopmental assessments. In crude analyses, 471 of 1541 exposed infants (30.6%) screened abnormally for developmental delay at 12 months vs 203 of 720 unexposed infants (28.2%; χ2 = 1.32; P = .25); the corresponding prevalences at 18 months were 262 of 1301 (20.1%) vs 148 of 639 (23.2%), respectively (χ2 = 2.35; P = .13). In multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models adjusting for maternal age, race, ethnicity, education, income, maternal depression, and anxiety, no difference in risk for abnormal ASQ-3 screens was observed at either time point (12 months: adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.14; 95% CI, 0.97-1.33; 18 months: aRR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.72-1.07). Further adjustment for preterm birth and infant sex did not affect results (12 months: aRR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.98-1.36; 18 months: aRR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.71-1.07). Conclusions and Relevance Results of this cohort study suggest that COVID-19 vaccination was safe during pregnancy from the perspective of infant neurodevelopment to 18 months of age. Additional longer-term research should be conducted to corroborate these findings and buttress clinical guidance with a strong evidence base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni G. Jaswa
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Marcelle I. Cedars
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Karla J. Lindquist
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Somer L. Bishop
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Young-Shin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Amy Kaing
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Mary Prahl
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Jamie Corley
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Elena Hoskin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Yoon Jae Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Elizabeth Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Heather G. Huddleston
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco
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18
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Kim IJ, Gonzalez O, Tighe MP, Lanthier PA, Clark MJ, Travis KL, Low-Beer TC, Lanzer KG, Bernacki DT, Szaba FM, De La Barrera RA, Dussupt V, Mendez-Rivera L, Krebs SJ, Ross CN, Mdaki SD, Brasky KM, Layne-Colon D, Tardif SD, Thomas SJ, Modjarrad K, Blackman MA, Patterson JL. Protective efficacy of a Zika purified inactivated virus vaccine candidate during pregnancy in marmosets. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:35. [PMID: 38368443 PMCID: PMC10874403 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00824-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy poses significant threats to maternal and fetal health, leading to intrauterine fetal demise and severe developmental malformations that constitute congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). As such, the development of a safe and effective ZIKV vaccine is a critical public health priority. However, the safety and efficacy of such a vaccine during pregnancy remain uncertain. Historically, the conduct of clinical trials in pregnant women has been challenging. Therefore, clinically relevant animal pregnancy models are in high demand for testing vaccine efficacy. We previously reported that a marmoset pregnancy model of ZIKV infection consistently demonstrated vertical transmission from mother to fetus during pregnancy. Using this marmoset model, we also showed that vertical transmission could be prevented by pre-pregnancy vaccination with Zika purified inactivated virus (ZPIV) vaccine. Here, we further examined the efficacy of ZPIV vaccination during pregnancy. Vaccination during pregnancy elicited virus neutralizing antibody responses that were comparable to those elicited by pre-pregnancy vaccination. Vaccination also reduced placental pathology, viral burden and vertical transmission of ZIKV during pregnancy, without causing adverse effects. These results provide key insights into the safety and efficacy of ZPIV vaccination during pregnancy and demonstrate positive effects of vaccination on the reduction of ZIKV infection, an important advance in preparedness for future ZIKV outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- In-Jeong Kim
- Trudeau Institute, Inc., Saranac Lake, NY, 12983, USA.
| | - Olga Gonzalez
- Southwest National Primate Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Frank M Szaba
- Trudeau Institute, Inc., Saranac Lake, NY, 12983, USA
| | - Rafael A De La Barrera
- Pilot Bioproduction Facility, Center for Enabling Capabilities, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
| | - Vincent Dussupt
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Center of Infectious Disease Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Letzibeth Mendez-Rivera
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Center of Infectious Disease Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Shelly J Krebs
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Center of Infectious Disease Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Corinna N Ross
- Southwest National Primate Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
| | - Stephanie D Mdaki
- Southwest National Primate Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
- Science and Technology, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam AFB, San Antonio, TX, 78236, USA
| | - Kathleen M Brasky
- Southwest National Primate Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
| | - Donna Layne-Colon
- Southwest National Primate Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
| | - Suzette D Tardif
- Southwest National Primate Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA
| | - Stephen J Thomas
- Institute for Global Health and Translational Sciences, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Kayvon Modjarrad
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, USA
- Pfizer Inc. Vaccine Research and Development, Pearl River, NY, 10965, USA
| | | | - Jean L Patterson
- Southwest National Primate Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78227, USA.
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19
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Cherry N, Adisesh A, Burstyn I, Charlton C, Chen Y, Durand-Moreau Q, Labrèche F, Ruzycki S, Turnbull L, Zadunayski T, Yasui Y. Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 IgG response and decay in Canadian healthcare workers: A prospective cohort study. Vaccine 2024; 42:1168-1178. [PMID: 38278628 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare workers (HCWs) from an interprovincial Canadian cohort gave serial blood samples to identify factors associated with anti-receptor binding domain (anti-RBD) IgG response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. METHODS Members of the HCW cohort donated blood samples four months after their first SARS-CoV-2 immunization and again at 7, 10 and 13 months. Date and type of immunizations and dates of SARS-CoV-2 infection were collected at each of four contacts, together with information on immunologically-compromising conditions and current therapies. Blood samples were analyzed centrally for anti-RBD IgG and anti-nucleocapsid IgG (Abbott Architect, Abbott Diagnostics). Records of immunization and SARS-CoV-2 testing from public health agencies were used to assess the impact of reporting errors on estimates from the random-effects multivariable model fitted to the data. RESULTS 2752 of 4567 vaccinated cohort participants agreed to donate at least one blood sample. Modelling of anti-RBD IgG titer from 8903 samples showed an increase in IgG with each vaccine dose and with first infection. A decrease in IgG titer was found with the number of months since vaccination or infection, with the sharpest decline after the third dose. An immunization regime that included mRNA1273 (Moderna) resulted in higher anti-RBD IgG. Participants reporting multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis or taking selective immunosuppressants, tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, calcineurin inhibitors and antineoplastic agents had lower anti-RBD IgG. Supplementary analyses showed higher anti-RBD IgG in those reporting side-effects of vaccination, no relation of anti-RBD IgG to obesity and lower titers in women immunized in early or mid-pregnancy. Sensitivity analysis results suggested no important bias in the self-report data. CONCLUSION Creation of a prospective cohort was central to the credibility of results presented here. Serial serology assessments, with longitudinal analysis, provided effect estimates with enhanced accuracy and a clearer understanding of medical and other factors affecting response to vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cherry
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta, 5-22 University Terrace, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada.
| | - Anil Adisesh
- Division2 Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, C. David Naylor Building, 6 Queen's Park Crescent West, Toronto, ON M5S 3H2, Canada
| | - Igor Burstyn
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Carmen Charlton
- Alberta Precision Laboratories, 84440 112 St, Edmonton, AB T6G 2I2, Canada
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Mail Stop 735, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Quentin Durand-Moreau
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta, 5-22 University Terrace, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - France Labrèche
- Research Department, Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, 505 de Maisonneuve Blvd, West Montreal, QC H3A 3C2, Canada
| | - Shannon Ruzycki
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - LeeAnn Turnbull
- Alberta Precision Laboratories, 84440 112 St, Edmonton, AB T6G 2I2, Canada
| | - Tanis Zadunayski
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta, 5-22 University Terrace, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Yutaka Yasui
- Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Control, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Mail Stop 735, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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20
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VanKeulen-Miller R, Fenton OS. Messenger RNA Therapy for Female Reproductive Health. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:393-409. [PMID: 38189262 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Female reproductive health has traditionally been an underrepresented area of research in the drug delivery sciences. This disparity is also seen in the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics, a class of medicines that promises to treat and prevent disease by upregulating protein expression in the body. Here, we review advances in mRNA therapies through the lens of improving female reproductive health. Specifically, we begin our review by discussing the fundamental structure and biochemical modifications associated with mRNA-based drugs. Then, we discuss various packaging technologies, including lipid nanoparticles, that can be utilized to protect and transport mRNA drugs to target cells in the body. Last, we conclude our review by discussing the usage of mRNA therapy for addressing pregnancy-related health and vaccination against sexually transmitted diseases in women. Of note, we also highlight relevant clinical trials using mRNA for female reproductive health while also providing their corresponding National Clinical Trial identifiers. In undertaking this review, our aim is to provide a fundamental background understanding of mRNA therapy and its usage to specifically address female health issues with an overarching goal of providing information toward addressing gender disparity in certain aspects of health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel VanKeulen-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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21
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Tiarks GC, Thomas BC, O'Malley C. Assessing the Knowledge and Attitudes of Breastfeeding During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cureus 2024; 16:e54475. [PMID: 38510870 PMCID: PMC10954039 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background It is generally accepted that breastfeeding is a practice that provides valuable health benefits to both mother and baby. However, the COVID-19 pandemic unveiled questions regarding the safety of breastfeeding, leading to potential hesitation among the public. Our study seeks to appreciate the public's understanding and attitudes toward breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An anonymous survey was distributed online through social media platforms. Demographic information was collected with questions specifically analyzing the knowledge and attitude of each participant. Calculations were performed using Spearman's rho correlations to determine significant differences. Results Thirty-nine women were recruited. The average overall knowledge score was 93% correct. 87% of participants believe breastfeeding is better than formula feeding, and 92% stated they would breastfeed their infant if they knew it could protect their child from COVID-19. Discussion The results of our study indicated that although overall knowledge of breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic was well understood, higher levels of education may play a role in the depth of one's knowledge. In addition, while participants were reporting high levels of education about breastfeeding from their healthcare providers, few were receiving data specific to the pandemic. The data gathered from this study may help to target future educational initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina C Tiarks
- College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Ft. Lauderdale, USA
| | - Beatrice C Thomas
- College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Ft. Lauderdale, USA
| | - Chasity O'Malley
- Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Fort Lauderdale, USA
- Medical Education, Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, USA
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22
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Panneer Selvam S, Ramadoss R, Shanmugam R, Sundar S, Ta L, Ramani P. Assessment of Female Hormonal Influence on COVID-19 Vaccine Response: A Prospective Cohort Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e54417. [PMID: 38510901 PMCID: PMC10950846 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The diversity of oral epithelial cells offers potential viral infection sites. The lower level of ACE2 inhibitors in women's blood renders them more resistant to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In order to determine the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on female hormones, salivary levels of total antibody, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and cortisol were measured in young and elderly women. METHODS Saliva samples from 88 participants were collected and subjected to ELISA for detecting total antibody, IgG, and cortisol. RESULTS Women who were infected with COVID-19 and who completed two doses of vaccination had more IgG antibodies when compared to the uninfected individuals/single-dose/non-vaccinated individuals. The cortisol levels in post-menopausal women were higher than those in women with normal menstrual cycles, and the difference was statistically significant (P-value 0.00). The increased cortisol levels were well correlated with increased levels of IgG antibodies which was statistically significant (Spearman rho P value 0.00) Conclusions: COVID variants will continue to mutate and evolve as long as the epidemic persists. The higher cortisol and IgG antibodies produced by female hormones protect them from COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suganya Panneer Selvam
- Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IND
| | - Ramya Ramadoss
- Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IND
| | - RajeshKumar Shanmugam
- Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IND
| | - Sandhya Sundar
- Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IND
| | - Lakshmi Ta
- Oral Pathology and Oral Biology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IND
| | - Pratibha Ramani
- Oral Pathology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IND
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23
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Lapinsky SC, Baxter NN, Sutradhar R, Everett K, Porter J, Kwong JC, Fell DB, Snelgrove JW, Campbell DM, Simpson AN. A Population-Based Test-Negative Matched Case-Control Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Effectiveness Among Pregnant People in Ontario, Canada. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2024; 46:102239. [PMID: 37839731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2023.102239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pregnancy is a risk factor for severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, which can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, thus making understanding vaccine effectiveness (VE) in this population important. This study aimed to assess the VE of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related hospitalization in pregnant people. METHODS Population-based matched test-negative case-control study of pregnant people aged 18-49 years, of 12 or more weeks gestation in Ontario, Canada, symptomatic with possible SARS-CoV-2 infection, and having at least 1 positive (n = 1842) or negative (n = 8524) real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) SARS-CoV-2 test between December 14, 2020, and December 31, 2021. The exposure was receipt of ≥1 dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine versus no vaccination. Exposure was further stratified by number and recency of doses. The primary outcome was a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test. As a secondary outcome, VE for COVID-19-related hospitalization was assessed. RESULTS In the primary outcome analysis, there were 1821 positive cases, matched to 1821 negative controls. The mean (SD) maternal age was 31 (5) years. When compared to those unvaccinated, receipt of ≥1 dose was associated with an estimated VE of 39% (95% CI 29%-48%) for symptomatic infection, and 85% (95% CI 72%-92%) for COVID-19 hospitalization. VE estimates demonstrated waning with increased time since last vaccination. CONCLUSIONS mRNA COVID-19 vaccines provide protection against symptomatic COVID-19 illness and are highly effective at preventing severe illness in pregnant people. The observed effect of vaccine waning highlights the importance of booster doses to provide optimal protection for pregnant people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Lapinsky
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Nancy N Baxter
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rinku Sutradhar
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karl Everett
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joan Porter
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C Kwong
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Centre for Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, and Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada; Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada; University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Deshayne B Fell
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - John W Snelgrove
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Douglas M Campbell
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, St Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea N Simpson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Michael's Hospital/Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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24
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Ismail S, Unger S, Budylowski P, Poutanen S, Yau Y, Jenkins C, Anwer S, Christie-Holmes N, Kiss A, Mazzulli T, Johnstone J, McGeer A, Whittle W, Parvez B, Gray-Owen SD, Stone D, O'Connor DL. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and their neutralizing capacity against live virus in human milk after COVID-19 infection and vaccination: prospective cohort studies. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:485-495. [PMID: 38309831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited understanding of the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and vaccination type and interval on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) human milk antibodies and their neutralizing capacity. OBJECTIVES These cohort studies aimed to determine the presence of antibodies and live virus neutralizing capacity in milk from females infected with COVID-19, unexposed milk bank donors, and vaccinated females and examine impacts of vaccine interval and type. METHODS Milk was collected from participants infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy or lactation (Cohort-1) and milk bank donors (Cohort-2) from March 2020-July 2021 at 3 sequential 4-wk intervals and COVID-19 vaccinated participants with varying dose intervals (Cohort-3) (January-October 2021). Cohort-1 and Cohort-3 were recruited from Sinai Health (patients) and through social media. Cohort-2 included Ontario Milk Bank donors. Milk was examined for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and live virus neutralization. RESULTS Of females with COVID-19, 53% (Cohort-1, n = 55) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA antibodies in ≥1 milk sample. IgA+ samples (40%) were more likely neutralizing than IgA- samples (odds ratio [OR]: 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03, 4.60; P = 0.04); however, 25% of IgA- samples were neutralizing. Both IgA positivity and neutralization decreased ∼6 mo after symptom onset (0-100 compared with 201+ d: IgA OR: 14.30; 95% CI: 1.08, 189.89; P = 0.04; neutralizing OR: 4.30; 95% CI: 1.55, 11.89; P = 0.005). Among milk bank donors (Cohort-2, n = 373), 4.3% had IgA antibodies; 23% of IgA+ samples were neutralizing. Vaccination (Cohort-3, n = 60) with mRNA-1273 and shorter vaccine intervals (3 to <6 wk) resulted in higher IgA and IgG than BNT162b2 (P < 0.04) and longer intervals (6 to <16 wk) (P≤0.02), respectively. Neutralizing capacity increased postvaccination (P = 0.04) but was not associated with antibody positivity. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination (type and interval) impacted milk antibodies; however, antibody presence did not consistently predict live virus neutralization. Although human milk is unequivocally the best way to nourish infants, guidance on protection to infants following maternal infection/vaccination may require more nuanced messaging. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04453969 and NCT04453982.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ismail
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sharon Unger
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada; Paediatrics, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | - Patrick Budylowski
- Combined Containment Level 3 Unit, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Susan Poutanen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health System/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yvonne Yau
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carleigh Jenkins
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shaista Anwer
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health System/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Alex Kiss
- Evaluative Clinical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tony Mazzulli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health System/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennie Johnstone
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health System/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Allison McGeer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health System/University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wendy Whittle
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Scott D Gray-Owen
- Combined Containment Level 3 Unit, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Debbie Stone
- Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | - Deborah L O'Connor
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Rogers Hixon Ontario Human Milk Bank, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada; Paediatrics, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada; The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.
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25
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Macías Saint-Gerons D, Castro JL, Colomar M, Rojas E, Sosa C, Ropero AM, Serruya SJ, Pastor D, Chiu M, Velandia-Gonzalez M, Abalos E, Durán P, Gomez Ponce de León R, Tomasso G, Mainero L, Rubino M, De Mucio B. Description of maternal and neonatal adverse events in pregnant people immunised with COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy in the CLAP NETWORK of sentinel sites. Nested case-control analysis of the immunization-associated risk: A study protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e073095. [PMID: 38286697 PMCID: PMC10826566 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 is associated with higher morbimortality in pregnant people compared with non-pregnant people. At present, the benefits of maternal immunisation are considered to outweigh the risks, and therefore, vaccination is recommended during pregnancy. However, additional information is needed on the safety of the vaccines in this population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This a retrospective cohort nested case-control study in pregnant people who attended maternity hospitals from eight Latin American and Caribbean countries. A perinatal electronic clinical history database with neonatal and obstetric information will be used. The proportion of pregnant people immunised with COVID-19 vaccines of the following maternal and neonatal events will be described: preterm infant, small for gestational age, low birth weight, stillbirth, neonatal death, congenital malformations, maternal near miss and maternal death. Moreover, the risk of prematurity, small for gestational age and low birth weight associated with exposure to COVID-19 vaccines will be estimated. Each case will be matched with two groups of three randomly selected controls. Controls will be matched by hospital and mother's age (±3 years) with an additional matching by delivery date and conception time in the first and second control groups, respectively. The estimated required sample size for the main analysis (exposure to any vaccine) concerning 'non-use' is at least 1009 cases (3027 controls) to detect an increased probability of vaccine-associated event risk of 30% and at least 650 cases (1950 controls) to detect 30% protection. Sensitivity and secondary analyses considering country, type of vaccine, exposure windows and completeness of immunisation will be reported. ETHICS The study protocol was reviewed by the Ethical Review Committee on Research of the Pan American Health Organization. Patient informed consent was waived due to the retrospective design and the utilisation of anonymised data (Ref. No: PAHOERC.0546.01). Results will be disseminated in open access journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Macías Saint-Gerons
- Department of Medicine, University of Valencia, INCLIVA Health Research Institute and CIBERSAM, Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis Castro
- Fundación para la innovación, la formación, la investigación y el desarrollo comunitario (FUNDEC), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Mercedes Colomar
- Unidad de Investigación Clínica y Epidemiológica Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Deparment of Preventive and Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Edgard Rojas
- Innovation, Access to Medicines and Health Technologies (IMT), PAHO, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Claudio Sosa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pereira Rossell Hospital, School of Medicine, Universidad de la Republica Uruguay, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Suzanne Jacob Serruya
- Latin American Center of Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health (CLAP/WR), PAHO, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | | | | | - Edgardo Abalos
- Centro de Estudios de Estado y Sociedad (CEDES), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Durán
- Latin American Center of Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health (CLAP/WR), PAHO, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Giselle Tomasso
- Unidad de Investigación Clínica y Epidemiológica Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luis Mainero
- Latin American Center of Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health (CLAP/WR), PAHO, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcelo Rubino
- Latin American Center of Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health (CLAP/WR), PAHO, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Bremen De Mucio
- Latin American Center of Perinatology, Women and Reproductive Health (CLAP/WR), PAHO, Montevideo, Uruguay
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26
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Imani S, Tagit O, Pichon C. Neoantigen vaccine nanoformulations based on Chemically synthesized minimal mRNA (CmRNA): small molecules, big impact. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:14. [PMID: 38238340 PMCID: PMC10796345 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00807-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, chemically synthesized minimal mRNA (CmRNA) has emerged as a promising alternative to in vitro transcribed mRNA (IVT-mRNA) for cancer therapy and immunotherapy. CmRNA lacking the untranslated regions and polyadenylation exhibits enhanced stability and efficiency. Encapsulation of CmRNA within lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPPs) offers an effective approach for personalized neoantigen mRNA vaccines with improved control over tumor growth. LPP-based delivery systems provide superior pharmacokinetics, stability, and lower toxicity compared to viral vectors, naked mRNA, or lipid nanoparticles that are commonly used for mRNA delivery. Precise customization of LPPs in terms of size, surface charge, and composition allows for optimized cellular uptake, target specificity, and immune stimulation. CmRNA-encoded neo-antigens demonstrate high translational efficiency, enabling immune recognition by CD8+ T cells upon processing and presentation. This perspective highlights the potential benefits, challenges, and future directions of CmRNA neoantigen vaccines in cancer therapy compared to Circular RNAs and IVT-mRNA. Further research is needed to optimize vaccine design, delivery, and safety assessment in clinical trials. Nevertheless, personalized LPP-CmRNA vaccines hold great potential for advancing cancer immunotherapy, paving the way for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saber Imani
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Oya Tagit
- Institute of Chemistry and Bioanalytics, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Center of Molecular Biophysics, CNRS, Orléans, France.
- ART-ARNm, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) and University of Orléans, Orléans, France.
- Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
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27
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de Graaf SC, Bondt A, van Rijswijck DMH, Juncker HG, Mulleners SJ, Damen MJA, Hoek M, van Keulen BJ, van Goudoever JB, Heck AJR, Dingess KA. A case series exploring the human milk polyclonal IgA1 response to repeated SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations by LC-MS based fab profiling. Front Nutr 2024; 10:1305086. [PMID: 38288064 PMCID: PMC10822949 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1305086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Upon vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) humans will start to produce antibodies targeting virus specific antigens that will end up in circulation. In lactating women such antibodies will also end up in breastmilk, primarily in the form of secretory immunoglobulin A1 (SIgA1), the most abundant immunoglobulin (Ig) in human milk. Here we set out to investigate the SIgA1 clonal repertoire response to repeated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, using a LC-MS fragment antigen-binding (Fab) clonal profiling approach. Methods We analyzed the breastmilk of six donors from a larger cohort of 109 lactating mothers who received one of three commonly used SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. We quantitatively monitored the SIgA1 Fab clonal profile over 16 timepoints, from just prior to the first vaccination until 15 days after the second vaccination. Results In all donors, we detected a population of 89-191 vaccine induced clones. These populations were unique to each donor and heterogeneous with respect to individual clonal concentrations, total clonal titer, and population size. The vaccine induced clones were dominated by persistent clones (68%) which came up after the first vaccination and were retained or reoccurred after the second vaccination. However, we also observe transient SIgA1 clones (16%) which dissipated before the second vaccination, and vaccine induced clones which uniquely emerged only after the second vaccination (16%). These distinct populations were observed in all analyzed donors, regardless of the administered vaccine. Discussion Our findings suggest that while individual donors have highly unique human milk SIgA1 clonal profiles and a highly personalized SIgA1 response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, there are also commonalities in vaccine induced responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiaan C. de Graaf
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Albert Bondt
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Danique M. H. van Rijswijck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hannah G. Juncker
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sien J. Mulleners
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mirjam J. A. Damen
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Max Hoek
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Britt J. van Keulen
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Johannes B. van Goudoever
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Albert J. R. Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kelly A. Dingess
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Proteomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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28
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Kang D, Choi A, Park S, Choe SA, Shin JY. Safety of COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy and Lactation: A VigiBase Analysis. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e3. [PMID: 38193325 PMCID: PMC10782038 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited evidence on the safety of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination during pregnancy and lactation. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the association between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and lactation and reporting risk of adverse pregnancy or lactation outcomes. METHODS Using VigiBase, we performed a disproportionality analysis with case/non case design. Cases were defined based on the Standardized MedDRA Queries (SMQs) of "pregnancy and neonatal topics" and non-cases were defined as all other adverse events. We included all reports with COVID-19 vaccines as the suspected cause. Using the full database as the comparators, reporting odds ratios (RORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression while adjusting for maternal age. Infants' age and sex were additionally adjusted in analyzing the risk of COVID-19 vaccination during lactation. RESULTS We identified 10,266 and 6,474 reports with the SMQ of "pregnancy and neonatal topics" associated with COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and lactation, respectively. No significant RORs of adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy were observed; however, "functional lactation disorders" showed significant disproportionality during lactation with adjusted ROR of 1.48 (95% CI, 1.21-1.79). Further analysis that analyzed "functional lactation disorders" at a preferred term level, showed higher ROR in mastitis (2.76 [95% CI, 1.45-5.27]). CONCLUSION Overall, we did not observe a positive association between COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy and risk of reporting adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, we found a significant disproportionate reporting association between COVID-19 vaccination during lactation and "functional lactation disorders", specifically mastitis. Continuous surveillance is warranted to confirm the safety of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy and lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayeon Kang
- Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Ahhyung Choi
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Suneun Park
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Seung-Ah Choe
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ju-Young Shin
- Department of Biohealth Regulatory Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Korea
- Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea.
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29
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Kassianos G, MacDonald P, Aloysius I, Pather S. Responses to Common Misconceptions Relating to COVID-19 Variant-Adapted mRNA Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:57. [PMID: 38250870 PMCID: PMC10819631 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the waning of immunity over time has necessitated the use of booster doses of original coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines. This has also led to the development and implementation of variant-adapted messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines that include an Omicron sub-lineage component in addition to the antigen based on the wild-type virus spike protein. Subsequent emergence of the recombinant XBB sub-lineages triggered the development of monovalent XBB-based variant-adapted mRNA vaccines, which are available for vaccination campaigns in late 2023. Misconceptions about new variant-adapted vaccines may exacerbate vaccine fatigue and drive the lack of vaccine acceptance. This article aims to address common concerns about the development and use of COVID-19 variant-adapted mRNA vaccines that have emerged as SARS-CoV-2 has continued to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kassianos
- Royal College of General Practitioners, London NW1 2FB, UK;
- British Global and Travel Health Association, London NW1 2FB, UK
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Khalifeh M, Rubin LG, Dayya D, Cerise J, Skinner K, Maloney M, Walworth C, Petropoulos CJ, Wrin T, Chun K, Weinberger B. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers in maternal blood, umbilical cord blood, and breast milk. J Perinatol 2024; 44:28-34. [PMID: 38092879 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01843-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We quantified neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibody against spike protein (nAb) levels after vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection in maternal serum, cord blood, and breast milk and determined whether they correlate with levels of spike protein binding antibody. STUDY DESIGN Women (n = 100) were enrolled on admission for delivery. Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined by anti-nucleocapsid antibodies. Levels of nAb and binding antibodies against spike receptor binding domain were measured in maternal blood, cord blood, and milk. RESULTS Maternal nAb levels were higher after vaccine and infection than vaccine alone but waned rapidly. Levels of nAb in cord blood and milk correlated with maternal levels and were higher in cord blood than maternal. Spike protein binding antibody levels correlated with nAb. CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 vaccination near delivery may boost antibody-mediated immunity in the peripartum period. Neutralizing antibodies are passed transplacentally and into milk. Spike protein binding antibody may be a feasible proxy for nAb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen Khalifeh
- Division of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine, Phelps Hospital, Northwell Health, Sleepy Hollow, NY, USA
| | - Lorry G Rubin
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health and Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - David Dayya
- Division of Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Surgery, Phelps Hospital, Northwell Health, Sleepy Hollow, NY, USA
| | - Jane Cerise
- Biostatistics Unit, Office of Academic Affairs, Northwell School, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Karen Skinner
- Division of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine, Phelps Hospital, Northwell Health, Sleepy Hollow, NY, USA
| | - Mona Maloney
- Division of Neonatology and Newborn Medicine, Phelps Hospital, Northwell Health, Sleepy Hollow, NY, USA
| | - Charles Walworth
- Labcorp-Monogram Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | | | - Terri Wrin
- Labcorp-Monogram Biosciences, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Kelly Chun
- Labcorp-Esoterix, Calabasas, CA, 91301, USA
| | - Barry Weinberger
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health and Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY, USA.
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Devera JL, Gonzalez Y, Sabharwal V. A narrative review of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and breastfeeding. J Perinatol 2024; 44:12-19. [PMID: 37495712 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected millions of people due to the spread of the Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Pregnant individuals and infants are most vulnerable given the increased risk of developing severe complications from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for pregnant women and infants starting at 6 months of age to prevent disease contraction and minimize disease severity. We conducted a review of the literature on COVID-19 vaccination to discuss vaccine safety and efficacy, immunity after maternal vaccination, transplacental transfer and persistence of antibodies, and public health implications. Current evidence supports the safety and efficacy of vaccination during pregnancy. Maternal vaccination provides greater antibody persistence in infants compared to immunity from natural infection. Furthermore, vaccination has demonstrated an increased rate of passive antibody transfer through the placenta and breast milk. Public health interventions are important in achieving herd immunity and ultimately ending the pandemic. IMPACT: This article highlights the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy with a review of the data describing safety and efficacy, passive and active immunity after maternal immunization, trans-placental transfer and persistence of protective antibodies, and public health implications. With this information, healthcare providers can provide up-to-date knowledge to their pregnant patients to help them form an informed decision on vaccination and combat vaccine hesitancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean L Devera
- Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, US
| | | | - Vishakha Sabharwal
- Division of Pediatrics Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, US.
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Fung CYJ, Scott M, Lerner-Ellis J, Taher J. Applications of SARS-CoV-2 serological testing: impact of test performance, sample matrices, and patient characteristics. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2024; 61:70-88. [PMID: 37800891 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2254390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory testing has been a key tool in managing the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic. While rapid antigen and PCR testing has proven useful for diagnosing acute SARS-CoV-2 infections, additional testing methods are required to understand the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infections on immune response. Serological testing, a well-documented laboratory practice, measures the presence of antibodies in a sample to uncover information about host immunity. Although proposed applications of serological testing for clinical use have previously been limited, current research into SARS-CoV-2 has shown growing utility for serological methods in these settings. To name a few, serological testing has been used to identify patients with past infections and long-term active disease and to monitor vaccine efficacy. Test utility and result interpretation, however, are often complicated by factors that include poor test sensitivity early in infection, lack of immune response in some individuals, overlying infection and vaccination responses, lack of standardization of antibody titers/levels between instruments, unknown titers that confer immune protection, and large between-individual biological variation following infection or vaccination. Thus, the three major components of this review will examine (1) factors that affect serological test utility: test performance, testing matrices, seroprevalence concerns and viral variants, (2) patient factors that affect serological response: timing of sampling, age, sex, body mass index, immunosuppression and vaccination, and (3) informative applications of serological testing: identifying past infection, immune surveillance to guide health practices, and examination of protective immunity. SARS-CoV-2 serological testing should be beneficial for clinical care if it is implemented appropriately. However, as with other laboratory developed tests, use of SARS-CoV-2 serology as a testing modality warrants careful consideration of testing limitations and evaluation of its clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Yiu Jordan Fung
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mackenzie Scott
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan Lerner-Ellis
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Taher
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Celik IH, Ozkaya Parlakay A, Canpolat FE. Management of neonates with maternal prenatal coronavirus infection and influencing factors. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:436-444. [PMID: 37857851 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02855-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in pregnancy causes adverse outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. Neonates are at risk of vertical transmission and in-utero infection. Additionally, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and impairment in the organ systems of the mother are associated with neonatal outcomes, including impaired intrauterine growth, prematurity, and neonatal ICU admission. The management of neonates born from infected mothers has changed over the progress of the pandemic. At the beginning of the pandemic, cesarean section, immediate separation of mother-infant dyads, isolation of neonates, and avoiding of skin-to-skin contact, breast milk, and breastfeeding were the main practices to reduce vertical and horizontal transmission risk in the era of insufficient knowledge. The effects of antenatal steroids and delayed cord clamping on COVID-19 were also not known. As the pandemic progressed, data showed that prenatal, delivery room, and postnatal care of neonates can be performed as pre-pandemic practices. Variants and vaccines that affect clinical course and outcomes have emerged during the pandemic. The severity of the disease and the timing of infection in pregnancy also influence maternal and neonatal outcomes. The knowledge and lessons from COVID-19 will be helpful for the next pandemic if it happens. IMPACT: Prenatal infection with COVID-19 is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Our review includes the management of neonates with prenatal COVID-19 infection exposure, maternal-fetal, delivery room, and postnatal care of neonates, clinical features, treatment of neonates, and influencing factors such as variants, vaccination, severity of maternal disease, and timing of infection during pregnancy. There is a growing body of data and evidence about the COVID-19 pandemic. The knowledge and lessons from the pandemic will be helpful for the next pandemic if it happens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istemi Han Celik
- University of Health Sciences Turkey; Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Teaching and Research Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ankara, Türkiye.
| | - Aslinur Ozkaya Parlakay
- Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University; Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Fuat Emre Canpolat
- University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ankara, Türkiye
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Chaudhary N, Newby AN, Whitehead KA. Non-Viral RNA Delivery During Pregnancy: Opportunities and Challenges. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2306134. [PMID: 38145340 PMCID: PMC11196389 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
During pregnancy, the risk of maternal and fetal adversities increases due to physiological changes, genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and infections. Unfortunately, treatment options are severely limited because many essential interventions are unsafe, inaccessible, or lacking in sufficient scientific data to support their use. One potential solution to this challenge may lie in emerging RNA therapeutics for gene therapy, protein replacement, maternal vaccination, fetal gene editing, and other prenatal treatment applications. In this review, the current landscape of RNA platforms and non-viral RNA delivery technologies that are under active development for administration during pregnancy is explored. Advancements of pregnancy-specific RNA drugs against SARS-CoV-2, Zika, influenza, preeclampsia, and for in-utero gene editing are discussed. Finally, this study highlights bottlenecks that are impeding translation efforts of RNA therapies, including the lack of accurate cell-based and animal models of human pregnancy and concerns related to toxicity and immunogenicity during pregnancy. Overcoming these challenges will facilitate the rapid development of this new class of pregnancy-safe drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namit Chaudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Alexandra N. Newby
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Kathryn A. Whitehead
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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Ketabi K, Soleimanjahi H, Habibian A, Abroun S. Pregnancy and SARS-CoV-2 infection with a focus on its vertical transmission, breastfeeding, cord blood banking, and vaccination during COVID-19 infection. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2023; 44:361-380. [PMID: 37794764 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2023.2259454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak led to a health crisis worldwide. This infection can infect individuals, particularly pregnant women. In this review, we tried to find the possibility of vertical transmission of COVID-19 and investigate the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy, breastfeeding, cord blood banking, and the effects of recommended vaccines on pregnant and lactating women. Keywords include COVID-19, congenital infection, SARS-CoV-2, pregnancy, and COVID-19 vaccines. Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was searched in scientific databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The criteria for including studies in this article are the study of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women, fetuses, and neonates during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and also the effect of COVID-19 vaccines on them. There are several conflicting results in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from the maternal-fetal interface. Since many neonates born from COVID-19-infected mothers had no signs of this infection, the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 congenital transmission cannot be confirmed. Also, SARS-CoV-2-infected women can breastfeed their babies if they have mild symptoms. Up till now, no adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccines has been identified on mothers, infants, and the fertility of men or women. Even so, more investigations are needed on the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiana Ketabi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoorieh Soleimanjahi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ala Habibian
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saied Abroun
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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36
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Abdolahi T, Maamouri G, Behmadi M, Mirzaeian S, Boskabadi H, Faramarzi R. Investigating the impact of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccination on antibody response in pregnant women and their newborns. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29231. [PMID: 37971780 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the levels of receptor-binding domain (RBD), spike, and neutralizing antibodies in pregnant women who received the Sinopharm vaccine and their newborns. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary center, Mashhad, Iran. We included 88 pregnant women who had received at least two doses of the Sinopharm vaccine. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples taken at delivery were analyzed for antibodies using ELISA tests. Antibody levels did not vary significantly between women with two or three vaccine doses. Only 1.1% of mothers had undetectable levels of RBD antibodies, but detectable antibodies were observed in all newborns. A significant linear correlation was found between the levels of neutralizing antibodies (r = 0.7, p < 0.001) and RBD antibodies (r = 0.833, p < 0.001) in mothers and their newborns, but not for Spike antibodies (r = 0.214, p = 0.045). In mothers, high titers of antispike and RBD antibodies were observed at the time of delivery. The high titers of RBD and antispike antibodies were found in cord blood, suggesting potential neonatal immunity. Detectable levels of antibodies were found in both groups, regardless of the timing of vaccination. The Sinopharm vaccine generates detectable levels of antibodies in pregnant women, which are efficiently transferred to their newborns. The number of vaccine doses (two or three) did not significantly impact the levels of detectable antibodies. This underscores Sinopharm's potential efficacy in protecting pregnant women and their infants from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahoora Abdolahi
- Neonatal Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gholamali Maamouri
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam Behmadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara Mirzaeian
- Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hassan Boskabadi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Raheleh Faramarzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Francese R, Peila C, Donalisio M, Lamberti C, Cirrincione S, Colombi N, Tonetto P, Cavallarin L, Bertino E, Moro GE, Coscia A, Lembo D. Viruses and Human Milk: Transmission or Protection? Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1389-1415. [PMID: 37604306 PMCID: PMC10721544 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human milk (HM) is considered the best source of nutrition for infant growth and health. This nourishment is unique and changes constantly during lactation to adapt to the physiological needs of the developing infant. It is also recognized as a potential route of transmission of some viral pathogens although the presence of a virus in HM rarely leads to a disease in an infant. This intriguing paradox can be explained by considering the intrinsic antiviral properties of HM. In this comprehensive and schematically presented review, we have described what viruses have been detected in HM so far and what their potential transmission risk through breastfeeding is. We have provided a description of all the antiviral compounds of HM, along with an analysis of their demonstrated and hypothesized mechanisms of action. Finally, we have also analyzed the impact of HM pasteurization and storage methods on the detection and transmission of viruses, and on the antiviral compounds of HM. We have highlighted that there is currently a deep knowledge on the potential transmission of viral pathogens through breastfeeding and on the antiviral properties of HM. The current evidence suggests that, in most cases, it is unnecessarily to deprive an infant of this high-quality nourishment and that the continuation of breastfeeding is in the best interest of the infant and the mother.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Francese
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, University of Turin, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Chiara Peila
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Manuela Donalisio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, University of Turin, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Cristina Lamberti
- Institute of the Science of Food Production - National Research Council, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Simona Cirrincione
- Institute of the Science of Food Production - National Research Council, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Colombi
- Biblioteca Federata di Medicina "Ferdinando Rossi", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Tonetto
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Cavallarin
- Institute of the Science of Food Production - National Research Council, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertino
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Guido E Moro
- Italian Association of Human Milk Banks (AIBLUD), Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Coscia
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - David Lembo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, University of Turin, Orbassano (TO), Italy.
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Hsiao HM, DiMaggio LS, Perez MA, Chen X, Stephens K, Gibson T, Anderson EJ, Rostad CA. SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Profiles in Maternal Serum and Breast Milk Following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination: A Longitudinal Prospective Observational Cohort Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1643. [PMID: 38005975 PMCID: PMC10675665 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy protects infants against symptomatic COVID-19. Vaccination of lactating mothers may offer additional protection, but our understanding of immune responses in breast milk is limited. We, therefore, performed a single-center prospective cohort study of lactating mothers who received a COVID-19 mRNA primary vaccine series to evaluate the durability, breadth, and neutralizing capacity of the antibody responses in breast milk. Spike IgG- and IgA-binding antibodies of ancestral SARS-CoV-2 in serum and breast milk were quantified over 9 months using Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) V-PLEX assays, and ancestral titers were compared to four variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Delta, Gamma) at a single time point. Neutralizing antibodies against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron BA.4/5 were compared before and after vaccination using a pseudovirus-neutralization assay. Eleven lactating mothers received either Pfizer BNT162b2 (7/11) or Moderna mRNA-1273 (4/11) vaccine primary series. IgG and IgA titers increased in serum and breast milk following each dose, peaking 1-4 weeks after series completion. Titers remained significantly elevated for 7-9 months, except for in breast milk IgA which returned to baseline within 1 month. Furthermore, binding antibodies against all included variants were detected in breast milk collected 1-3 weeks after series completion. However, while vaccination induced a strong neutralizing response against ancestral SARS-CoV-2 in serum and more modest response in breast milk, it did not induce neutralizing antibodies against Omicron BA.4/5 in either specimen type. This study demonstrates that maternal COVID-19 mRNA vaccination may enhance immune protection for infants through breast milk via increased IgG- and IgA-binding-and-neutralizing antibodies; although, variant-specific boosters may be required to optimize immune protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Mien Hsiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (H.-M.H.); (L.S.D.); (M.A.P.); (X.C.); (K.S.); (T.G.)
| | - Langdon S. DiMaggio
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (H.-M.H.); (L.S.D.); (M.A.P.); (X.C.); (K.S.); (T.G.)
| | - Maria A. Perez
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (H.-M.H.); (L.S.D.); (M.A.P.); (X.C.); (K.S.); (T.G.)
| | - Xuemin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (H.-M.H.); (L.S.D.); (M.A.P.); (X.C.); (K.S.); (T.G.)
| | - Kathleen Stephens
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (H.-M.H.); (L.S.D.); (M.A.P.); (X.C.); (K.S.); (T.G.)
| | - Theda Gibson
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (H.-M.H.); (L.S.D.); (M.A.P.); (X.C.); (K.S.); (T.G.)
| | - Evan J. Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (H.-M.H.); (L.S.D.); (M.A.P.); (X.C.); (K.S.); (T.G.)
- Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Christina A. Rostad
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (H.-M.H.); (L.S.D.); (M.A.P.); (X.C.); (K.S.); (T.G.)
- Center for Childhood Infections and Vaccines, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Yang Y, Dong Y, Li G, Yin B, Tang X, Jia L, Zhang X, Yang W, Wang C, Peng X, Zhang Y, Cao Y, Xu X. Pregnancy outcomes following natural conception and assisted reproduction treatment in women who received COVID-19 vaccination prior to conception: a population-based cohort study in China. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1250165. [PMID: 37886353 PMCID: PMC10598612 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1250165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has swept across the world and continues to exert serious adverse effects on vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and neonates. The vaccines available at present were designed to prevent infection from COVID-19 strains and control viral spread. Although the incidence of pregnancy cycle outcomes are not likely to increase patients vaccinated prior to pregnancy compared with unvaccinated patients based on our knowledge of vaccination safety, there is no specific evidence to support this hypothesis. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the association between maternal vaccination prior to conception and pregnancy outcomes. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 2,614 women who received prenatal care and delivered in the Obstetrical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between February 2022 and November 2022. Of the 1,380 eligible pregnant women, 899 women who had received preconception vaccination were assigned to a vaccine group and 481 women who were not vaccinated were control group. Of the enrolled patients, 291 women received fertility treatment (141 vaccinated women, 150 unvaccinated women). The primary outcomes were pregnancy complications (hypothyroidism, gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy-induced hypertension, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, premature rupture of membranes and postpartum hemorrhage), obstetric outcomes (preterm birth rate, cesarean section rate) and neonatal outcomes (birth-weight, body length, low-birth-weight rate, rate of congenital defects, neonatal mortality and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit). Results There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications during pregnancy and delivery when compared between the vaccine group and control group in either univariate- or multivariate-models. The type of vaccine was not associated with the odds of adverse pregnancy outcome. Among the women with infertility treatment, the vaccinated group and the unvaccinated group had similar pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion Women who received COVID-19 vaccination prior to conception had similar maternal and neonatal outcomes as women who were unvaccinated. Our findings indicate that COVID-19 vaccinations can be safely administered prior to pregnancy in women who are planning pregnancy or assisted reproductive treatment. During new waves of COVID-19 infection, women who are planning pregnancy should be vaccinated as soon as possible to avoid subsequent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulu Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yujie Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Guojing Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Biqi Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Hefei First People’s Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Xiong Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Liangfang Jia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xueke Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center of Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Hefei, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoqing Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract (Anhui Medical University), Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Hefei, China
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The successes of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines have accelerated the development of mRNA vaccines against other respiratory pathogens. The aim of this review is to highlight COVID-19 mRNA vaccine advances and provide an update on the progress of mRNA vaccine development against other respiratory pathogens. RECENT FINDINGS The COVID-19 mRNA vaccines demonstrated effectiveness in preventing severe COVID-19 and death. H7N9 and H10N8 avian influenza mRNA vaccines have demonstrated safety and immunogenicity in phase 1 clinical trials. Numerous seasonal influenza mRNA vaccines are in phase 1-3 clinical trials. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) mRNA vaccines have progressed to phase 2-3 clinical trials in adults and a phase 1 clinical trial in children. A combined human metapneumovirus and parainfluenza-3 mRNA vaccines was found to be well tolerated and immunogenic in a phase 1 trial among adults and trials are being conducted among children. Clinical trials of mRNA vaccines combining antigens from multiple respiratory viruses are underway. SUMMARY The development of mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses has progressed rapidly in recent years. Promising vaccine candidates are moving through the clinical development pathway to test their efficacy in preventing disease against respiratory viral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hana M El Sahly
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology
- Department of Medicine
| | - C Mary Healy
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Kontovazainitis CG, Katsaras GN, Gialamprinou D, Mitsiakos G. Covid-19 vaccination and pregnancy: a systematic review of maternal and neonatal outcomes. J Perinat Med 2023; 51:823-839. [PMID: 36800343 DOI: 10.1515/jpm-2022-0463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although the vaccination against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS Cov-2) is considered safe during pregnancy, vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women is high. The results of published observational studies addressing the issue of Covid-19 vaccination's efficacy and safety during pregnancy need to be summarized. CONTENT This systematic review compares the incidence of major maternal and neonatal outcomes between SARS Cov-2 vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women. The included studies enrolled pregnant women of any age and any trimester. Medline-Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and grey literature were searched until the 28th of May 2022, and 2,947 studies were found. SUMMARY Seven observational cohort studies, enrolling 67,274 pregnant women, were selected. When comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women, SARS Cov-2 vaccines were not associated with major maternal and neonatal adverse events. The rate of SARS Cov-2 infections among vaccinated pregnant women compared to unvaccinated is significantly reduced by 43%. OUTLOOK SARS Cov-2 vaccination in pregnant women is effective and safe. The results are promising, but caution is advised due to some limitations: only observational studies addressing this issue were found. Parallelly, the enrolled populations and the intervention (vaccination type and the number of doses) were not homogeneous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos-Georgios Kontovazainitis
- Neonatology, 2th Neonatal Department and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios N Katsaras
- Neonatology, 2th Neonatal Department and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitra Gialamprinou
- Neonatology, 2th Neonatal Department and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Mitsiakos
- Neonatology, 2th Neonatal Department and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Morniroli D, Signorini L, Dolci M, Vizzari G, Ronchi A, Pietrasanta C, Pugni L, Mosca F, Delbue S, Gianni ML. Breastmilk from COVID-19 negative lactating mothers shows neutralizing activity against SARS-COV-2. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15521. [PMID: 37726309 PMCID: PMC10509262 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42421-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Breastmilk protects newborns from infections through specific and nonspecific compounds. This study investigated the neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 of breastmilk from SARS-CoV-2 negative, unvaccinated mothers, and compared it to that from infected nursing mothers. We enrolled women after COVID-19 swab testing results upon maternity admission, and divided them into two groups: group A, COVID-19-positive mothers, and group B, negative mothers. Breastmilk was randomly sampled at 2, 7, and 20 days postpartum. We collected 19 samples for Group A and 41 for Group B. A microneutralization assay was used to determine the 50% neutralization (NT50) titre. The presence of neutralizing antibodies was also determined. Group A had 100% neutralizing samples at 2 days postpartum (T0), declining 7 days postpartum (T1) and 20 days postpartum (T2). Group B samples exhibited neutralizing activity mostly at 7 days postpartum (T1) (90%). Negative mothers' samples showed no correlation between NT50 titres and antibodies' presence, suggesting that non-specific breastmilk components may exert antiviral action against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Morniroli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy.
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy.
| | - Lucia Signorini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Dolci
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Vizzari
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Ronchi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Pietrasanta
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Pugni
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Mosca
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Delbue
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Lorella Gianni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via Della Commenda 12, 20122, Milan, Italy
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, NICU, Milan, Italy
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St. Germain R, Bossard EL, Corey L, Sholukh AM. Serum concentration of antigen-specific IgG can substantially bias interpretation of antibody-dependent phagocytosis assay readout. iScience 2023; 26:107527. [PMID: 37664583 PMCID: PMC10469534 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Because virus neutralization cannot solely explain vaccine-induced, antibody-mediated protection, antibody effector functions are being considered as a potential correlate of protection (CoP). However, measuring effector functions at a fixed serum dilution for high throughput purposes makes it difficult to distinguish between the effect of serum antibody concentration and antibody properties such as epitopes, subclass, and glycosylation. To address this issue, we evaluated antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) assay against SARS-CoV-2 spike. Adjustment of serum samples to the same concentration of antigen-specific IgG prior to the ADCP assay revealed concentration-independent differences in ADCP after mRNA vaccination in subjects with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection not detectable in assay performed with fixed serum dilution. Phagocytosis measured at different concentrations of spike-specific IgG strongly correlated with the area under the curve (AUC) indicating that ADCP assay can be performed at a standardized antibody concentration for the high throughput necessary for vaccine trial analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell St. Germain
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Emily L. Bossard
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lawrence Corey
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Anton M. Sholukh
- Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Boelig RC, Chaudhury S, Gromowski GD, Mayer S, King J, Aghai ZH, Bergmann-Leitner E. Reduced maternal immunity and vertical transfer of immunity against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern with COVID-19 exposure or initial vaccination in pregnancy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1216410. [PMID: 37753075 PMCID: PMC10518391 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1216410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction As the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to evolve, we face new variants of concern with a concurrent decline in vaccine booster uptake. We aimed to evaluate the difference in immunity gained from the original SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine series in pregnancy versus SARS-CoV-2 exposure during pregnancy against recent variants of concern. Study Design This is a retrospective analysis of previously collected samples from 192 patients who delivered between February 2021 and August 2021. Participants were categorized as 1) COVID vaccine: mRNA vaccine in pregnancy, 2) COVID-exposed, and 3) controls. The primary outcome was neutralizing capacity against wild-type, Delta, and Omicron-B1 between cohorts. Secondary outcomes include a comparison of cord-blood ID50 as well as the efficiency of vertical transfer, measured by cord-blood:maternal blood ID50 for each variant. Results Pregnant women with COVID-19 vaccination had a greater spike in IgG titers compared to both those with COVID-19 disease exposure and controls. Both COVID exposure and vaccination resulted in immunity against Delta, but only COVID vaccination resulted in significantly greater Omicron ID-50 versus controls. The neutralizing capacity of serum from newborns was lower than that of their mothers, with COVID-vaccination demonstrating higher cord-blood ID50 vs wildtype and Delta variants compared to control or COVID-exposed, but neither COVID-exposure nor vaccination demonstrated significantly higher Omicron ID50 in cord-blood compared to controls. There was a 0.20 (0.07-0.33, p=0.004) and 0.12 (0.0-0.24, p=0.05) increase in cord-blood:maternal blood ID50 with COVID vaccination compared to COVID-19 exposure for wild-type and Delta respectively. In pair-wise comparison, vertical transfer of neutralization capacity (cord-blood:maternal blood ID50) was greatest for wild-type and progressively reduced for Delta and Omicron ID50. Conclusion Pregnant patients with either an initial mRNA vaccination series or COVID-exposure demonstrated reduced immunity against newer variants compared to wild-type as has been reported for non-pregnant individuals; however, the COVID-vaccination series afforded greater cross-variant immunity to pregnant women, specifically against Omicron, than COVID-disease. Vertical transfer of immunity is greater in those with COVID vaccination vs COVID disease exposure but is reduced with progressive variants. Our results reinforce the importance of bivalent booster vaccination in pregnancy for both maternal and infant protection and also provide a rationale for receiving updated vaccines as they become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupsa C. Boelig
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sidhartha Chaudhury
- Center for Enabling Capabilities, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Gregory D. Gromowski
- Viral Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Sandra Mayer
- Viral Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Jocelyn King
- Viral Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Zubair H. Aghai
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Nemours, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Elke Bergmann-Leitner
- Immunology Core, Biologics Research & Development, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, United States
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Gonçalves J, Melro M, Alenquer M, Araújo C, Castro-Neves J, Amaral-Silva D, Ferreira F, Ramalho JS, Charepe N, Serrano F, Pontinha C, Amorim MJ, Soares H. Balance between maternal antiviral response and placental transfer of protection in gestational SARS-CoV-2 infection. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e167140. [PMID: 37490342 PMCID: PMC10544212 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.167140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The intricate interplay between maternal immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and the transfer of protective factors to the fetus remains unclear. By analyzing mother-neonate dyads from second and third trimester SARS-CoV-2 infections, our study shows that neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) are infrequently detected in cord blood. We uncovered that this is due to impaired IgG-NAb placental transfer in symptomatic infection and to the predominance of maternal SARS-CoV-2 NAbs of the IgA and IgM isotypes, which are prevented from crossing the placenta. Crucially, the balance between maternal antiviral response and transplacental transfer of IgG-NAbs appears to hinge on IL-6 and IL-10 produced in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, asymptomatic maternal infection was associated with expansion of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and NK cell frequency. Our findings identify a protective role for IgA/IgM-NAbs in gestational SARS-CoV-2 infection and open the possibility that the maternal immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection might benefit the neonate in 2 ways, first by skewing maternal immune response toward immediate viral clearance, and second by endowing the neonate with protective mechanisms to curtail horizontal viral transmission in the critical postnatal period, via the priming of IgA/IgM-NAbs to be transferred by the breast milk and via NK cell expansion in the neonate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Gonçalves
- Human Immunobiology and Pathogenesis Laboratory, iNOVA4Health, Nova Medical School, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nova University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Magda Melro
- Human Immunobiology and Pathogenesis Laboratory, iNOVA4Health, Nova Medical School, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nova University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Alenquer
- Cell Biology of Viral Infection Lab, Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Oeiras, Portugal
- Católica Biomedical Research Centre, Católica Medical School, Portuguese Catholic University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Catarina Araújo
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Júlia Castro-Neves
- Human Immunobiology and Pathogenesis Laboratory, iNOVA4Health, Nova Medical School, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nova University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniela Amaral-Silva
- Human Immunobiology and Pathogenesis Laboratory, iNOVA4Health, Nova Medical School, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nova University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipe Ferreira
- Cell Biology of Viral Infection Lab, Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Oeiras, Portugal
- Católica Biomedical Research Centre, Católica Medical School, Portuguese Catholic University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Nádia Charepe
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
- CHRC, Nova Medical School, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nova University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fátima Serrano
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
- CHRC, Nova Medical School, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nova University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Pontinha
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria João Amorim
- Cell Biology of Viral Infection Lab, Gulbenkian Institute of Science, Oeiras, Portugal
- Católica Biomedical Research Centre, Católica Medical School, Portuguese Catholic University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helena Soares
- Human Immunobiology and Pathogenesis Laboratory, iNOVA4Health, Nova Medical School, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Nova University, Lisbon, Portugal
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Kigel A, Vanetik S, Mangel L, Friedman G, Nozik C, Terracina C, Taussig D, Dror Y, Samra H, Mandel D, Lubetzky R, Wine Y. Maternal Immunization During the Second Trimester with BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine Induces a Robust IgA Response in Human Milk: A Prospective Cohort Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2023; 118:572-578. [PMID: 37479184 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human milk antibody response following maternal immunization with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine is important for the protection of the infant during infancy. The vaccine-specific antibody response is still unclear at different stages of human milk production, as are the effects of maternal immunization timing on the robustness of the antibody response. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to assess the antibody response (IgG/IgA/IgM) during various lactation stages and identify the best vaccination timing during pregnancy. METHODS A prospective cohort study of 73 postpartum women who were administered the BNT162b2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine during the second or third trimester of pregnancy were recruited. Statistical comparison was conducted using 16 human milk samples from a prepandemic control group. RESULTS Excluding 11 women, the study included 62 lactating women who were administered the mRNA vaccine during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. A total of 149 samples of human milk were collected at different lactation stages. Our findings reveal that colostrum exhibits significantly higher levels of IgG (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3, 9.0; P = 0.023), IgA (95% CI: 55.98, 100.2; P = 0.0034), and IgM (95% CI: 0.03, 0.62; P < 0.0001) compared with mature milk IgG (95% CI: 0.25, 0.43), IgA (95% CI: 9.65, 13.74), IgM (95% CI: 0.03, 0.04). The timing of maternal immunization affected the antibody response. The level of IgA in mature milk was higher when immunization occurred in the second trimester (95% CI: 11.14, 19.66; P = 0.006) than in the third trimester (95% CI: 7.16, 11.49). Conversely, IgG levels in mature milk were higher when immunization occurred during the third trimester (95% CI: 0.36, 0.65; P < 0.0001) than in the second trimester (95% CI: 0.09, 0.38). CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence that administering the mRNA vaccine to pregnant women during the second trimester increases vaccine-specific IgA levels during lactation. Considering the significance of human milk IgA in mucosal tissues and its prevalence throughout lactation, it is reasonable to recommend maternal immunization with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine during the second trimester. This trial was registered at the Helsinki Committee of the Tel Aviv Medical Center as clinical trial number 0172-TLV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Kigel
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Center for Combating Pandemics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Vanetik
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Laurence Mangel
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gal Friedman
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chen Nozik
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Pediatrics, Dana Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Camilla Terracina
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - David Taussig
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Dror
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadar Samra
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dror Mandel
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel; Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronit Lubetzky
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Pediatrics, Dana Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Yariv Wine
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Center for Combating Pandemics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Pandit NB, Fulmali PR, Chandrayan P, Chauhan K, Bhil DL, Rasania MN. How safe is COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women and its outcome - A hospital-based retrospective study in Indian population. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:2140-2145. [PMID: 38024942 PMCID: PMC10657075 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_333_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although getting the Covid infection is equal for every person, during pregnancy, the women's immunity is a little lower than usual, so they are more prone to infection. That is why they should be taken care of with more precautions. A vaccine is the best weapon to fight such infection. Covishield and Covaxin are the two vaccines first introduce in country India including for pregnant women. The safety of the vaccine was a big concern as one of them is a newer type of vaccine. The current study was planned with objectives to understand the safety aspect of Covid19 vaccine on pregnancy outcome and Adverse events following immunization (AEFI) following vaccination. Materials and Methods This was a hospital-based retrospective cohort study. The sample size was all the pregnant women who delivered a baby from July 2021 to April 2022 at the tertiary care hospital in Vadodara. These women were retrospectively assessed for the status of vaccination based on the record and other information related to ANC from the record. Total of 1974 women were eligible for study after inclusion-exclusion criteria. The collected data was analysed. Result Of the 1974 pregnant women, 531 (27%) took any of one covid19 vaccine and 1443 (73%) did not take vaccine. There were 511 (96%) women opted for Covishield vaccine and 20 (4%) women who opted for Covaxin. Of 531 women who took vaccination, 46% women had AEFI. The risk of low birth weight (LBW) baby was 40% among vaccinated v/s 39% among non-vaccinated and congenital malformation was 0.6% among vaccinated v/s 1% among non-vaccinated women. On the contrary, the risk of premature birth was 8% among the vaccinated group v/s 13% among the non-vaccinated group and NICU admission following delivery was 8% among the vaccinated group v/s 12% among the non-vaccinated group. Conclusion AEFI among pregnant women were found less compared to the general population. The study also revealed that both Covishield and Covaxin are found safe for pregnancy outcomes and can be given to pregnant women during any trimester of pregnancy message for a family physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj B. Pandit
- Department of Community Medicine, SBKS MI and RC, Sumandeep Vidypeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Purvi R. Fulmali
- Department of Community Medicine Healthy Mother Healthy Child Project, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Piyusha Chandrayan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dhiraj Hospital, SBKS MIRC, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Kishor Chauhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dhiraj Hospital, SBKS MIRC, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Dipika L. Bhil
- Department of Paediatrics, Dhiraj Hospital, SBKS MIRC, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Manish N. Rasania
- Department of Paediatrics, Dhiraj Hospital, SBKS MIRC, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
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Murphy EA, Guzman-Cardozo C, Sukhu AC, Parks DJ, Prabhu M, Mohammed I, Jurkiewicz M, Ketas TJ, Singh S, Canis M, Bednarski E, Hollingsworth A, Thompson EM, Eng D, Bieniasz PD, Riley LE, Hatziioannou T, Yang YJ. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, booster, and infection in pregnant population enhances passive immunity in neonates. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4598. [PMID: 37563124 PMCID: PMC10415289 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39989-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of heterogeneous infection, vaccination and boosting histories prior to and during pregnancy have not been extensively studied and are likely important for protection of neonates. We measure levels of spike binding antibodies in 4600 patients and their neonates with different vaccination statuses, with and without history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. We investigate neutralizing antibody activity against different SARS-CoV-2 variant pseudotypes in a subset of 259 patients and determined correlation between IgG levels and variant neutralizing activity. We further study the ability of maternal antibody and neutralizing measurements to predict neutralizing antibody activity in the umbilical cord blood of neonates. In this work, we show SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and boosting, especially in the setting of previous infection, leads to significant increases in antibody levels and neutralizing activity even against the recent omicron BA.1 and BA.5 variants in both pregnant patients and their neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A Murphy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, US
| | | | - Ashley C Sukhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, US
| | - Debby J Parks
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, US
| | - Malavika Prabhu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, US
| | - Iman Mohammed
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, US
| | - Magdalena Jurkiewicz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, US
| | - Thomas J Ketas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, US
| | | | - Marie Canis
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, US
| | - Eva Bednarski
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, US
| | | | | | - Dorothy Eng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, US
| | - Paul D Bieniasz
- Laboratory of Retrovirology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, US
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, US
| | - Laura E Riley
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, US
| | | | - Yawei J Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, US.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY, US.
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Strzelecka I, Sylwestrzak O, Murlewska J, Węgrzynowski J, Leszczyńska K, Preis K, Respondek-Liberska M. Fetal Cardiac Hemodynamic and Sonographic Anomalies in Maternal COVID-19 Infection Depending on Vaccination Status-Polish Multicenter Cohort Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5186. [PMID: 37629228 PMCID: PMC10456038 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Most obstetrical studies have focused on maternal response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus but much less is known about the effect of COVID-19 on fetal physiology. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on the fetal homeostasis with the use of detailed ultrasonography and echocardiography and consideration of the effect of vaccination. This was a multi-center study of fetuses who had prenatal detailed ultrasound and echocardiographic examinations performed by fetal cardiology specialists. The subjects were divided based on the COVID vaccination status (vaccinated women who did not have COVID-group V, unvaccinated women who had COVID-group UV, and unvaccinated women who did not have COVID-control group). We evaluated the ultrasound and echocardiography results obtained. The study group included 237 gravidas from four prenatal cardiology centers. In the group of fetuses with normal heart anatomy, normal cardiovascular function had 147 (81%) fetuses and functional cardiovascular anomalies were present in 35 (19%) cases. Functional cardiovascular anomalies were present in 11 (16%) fetuses in the V group, 19 (47%) fetuses in the UV group and 5 (8%) fetuses in the control group (p < 0.01). There were 56 (24%) fetuses with extracardiac anomalies. Extracardiac anomalies were present in 20 (22%) fetuses in the V group, 22 (45%) fetuses of the UV group and in 14 (14%) fetuses in the control group (p < 0.01). Our study has proved that maternal COVID-19 infection can affect the fetal physiology and mild cardiac and extracardiac markers detected by fetal ultrasonography and echocardiography. Moreover, maternal vaccination results in lower occurrence of these findings in fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Strzelecka
- Department of Fetal Malformations Diagnosis and Prevention, Medical University of Łódź, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
| | - Oskar Sylwestrzak
- Department of Prenatal Cardiology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute in Łódź, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
| | - Julia Murlewska
- Department of Prenatal Cardiology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute in Łódź, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
- Private Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, 60-502 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jerzy Węgrzynowski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zdroje Hospital, 70-780 Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Krzysztof Preis
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecological Diseases and Oncological Gynecology of the Regional Hospital in Toruń, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Maria Respondek-Liberska
- Department of Fetal Malformations Diagnosis and Prevention, Medical University of Łódź, 90-419 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Prenatal Cardiology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute in Łódź, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
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50
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Karimi H, Mansouri V, Rezaei N. Vertical transmission and maternal passive immunity post-SARS-CoV-2. Future Virol 2023:10.2217/fvl-2023-0089. [PMID: 37822684 PMCID: PMC10564388 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2023-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Since 2020, the highly contagious nature and various transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 have rendered the pandemic interminable. Vertical transmission (VT) through the placenta and breast milk, which is frequent for certain virus types, is thought to exist for SARS-CoV-2 and is hypothesized by many researchers. Conversely, antibodies are produced to counteract the effect of viruses. Since newborns' immunologic system cannot produce proper antibodies, maternal antibodies are usually transferred from mother to infant/fetus to meet the need. This theory leads to the hypothesis of transmission of antibodies through the placenta and breast milk following SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. This paper further discusses these hypotheses, considering consequences of fetus/infant harm versus benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanie Karimi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Mansouri
- Gene Therapy Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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