Abstract
Protective antibodies again rubeola virus have been demonstrated in IgG and passive transfer of maternal antibodies against rubeola has been known to protect infants during the first several months of life. It has also been shown that the presence of this passively acquired antibody interferes with effective immunization against rubeola with live attentuated virus vaccines. For all infants there is a strong correlation between initial level of passively acquired antibody of maternal origin and its persistence. The concentration of IgG at birth is lower in low birth weight (LBW) than in term infants. This suggests that early curtailment of interuterine life is likey to result in lower IgG levels in the infant. From August 1, 1965 through March, 1968 251 infants (114 terms and 151 LBW) were inoculated with further attenuated rubeola vaccine at varying ages between six months and two years. No detectable rubeola HAI antibody was present at <1:8 prior to inoculation. The data indicate that the serologic responses of the two groups are better than previously recognized. Thus, the effectiveness of rubeola immunization of infants <12 months of age is such that use of this vaccine may be considered in younger infants during epidemic situations or in immunization programs in developing countries.
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Wilkins, J., Wehrle, P. & Portnoy, B. Serologic responses to live further attenuated rubeola vaccine among term and low birth weight infants. Pediatr Res 5, 403 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197108000-00133
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197108000-00133