Longitudinal Evaluation of Antibody Persistence in Mother-Infant Dyads After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Pregnancy

Article Obstetrics & Gynecology

SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response among Women Infected during Pregnancy

Ayisha Buckley et al.

Summary: Pregnant women infected with COVID-19 show a stronger antibody response if diagnosed at an earlier gestational age.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PERINATOLOGY (2022)

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Article Immunology

The Effect of Gestational Age at BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination on Maternal and Neonatal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Antibody Levels

Amihai Rottenstreich et al.

Summary: Maternal antibody levels and transplacental antibody transfer vary based on the gestational age at the time of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, with lowest levels observed in those vaccinated in the first trimester. A third booster dose may enhance antibody levels and could be beneficial for those who completed the 2-dose vaccine series early in pregnancy.

CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2022)

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Article Infectious Diseases

Timing of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during the third trimester of pregnancy and transplacental antibody transfer: a prospective cohort study

Amihai Rottenstreich et al.

Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of maternal vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in early versus late third trimester on transplacental transfer and neonatal levels of antibodies. The results showed that early vaccination in pregnancy enhanced transplacental antibody transfer and increased neonatal neutralizing antibody levels, indicating that early vaccination in the third trimester may enhance neonatal immune protection.

CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION (2022)

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Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Durability of Anti-Spike Antibodies in Infants After Maternal COVID-19 Vaccination or Natural Infection

Lydia L. Shook et al.

JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (2022)

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Article Medicine, General & Internal

Association of SARS-CoV-2 Infection With Serious Maternal Morbidity and Mortality From Obstetric Complications

Torri D. Metz et al.

Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and serious maternal morbidity or mortality from obstetric complications. The results showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an increased risk of serious complications related to obstetric complications.

JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (2022)

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Editorial Material Medicine, General & Internal

COVID-19 will continue but the end of the pandemic is near Comment

Christopher J. L. Murray

LANCET (2022)

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Article Obstetrics & Gynecology

Association of Gestational Age at Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination, History of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection, and a Vaccine Booster Dose With Maternal and Umbilical Cord Antibody Levels at Delivery

Yawei J. Yang et al.

Summary: Vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy resulted in detectable levels of maternal and umbilical cord anti-spike IgG at delivery. A complete vaccination course, prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and a third-trimester booster dose were associated with the highest levels of maternal and umbilical cord antibodies.

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY (2022)

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Article Pediatrics

No infectious SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk from a cohort of 110 lactating women

Paul Krogstad et al.

Summary: This study found that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in breastmilk after recent infection, but there is no evidence of the presence of infectious virus. Breastfeeding does not appear to be a risk factor for transmitting the infection to infants.

PEDIATRIC RESEARCH (2022)

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Article Pediatrics

Maternal and Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G Antibody Levels at Delivery After Receipt of the BNT162b2 Messenger RNA COVID-19 Vaccine During the Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Nir Kugelman et al.

Summary: Vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during the second trimester of pregnancy was associated with strong maternal and neonatal humoral responses, reflected in IgG antibody levels. This supports the vaccination of pregnant individuals in the second trimester for maternal protection and newborn safety during the pandemic.

JAMA PEDIATRICS (2022)

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Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Effectiveness of Maternal Vaccination with mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy Against COVID-19–Associated Hospitalization in Infants Aged

Natasha B. Halasa et al.

MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT (2022)

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Article Obstetrics & Gynecology

COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy: coverage and safety

Helena Blakeway et al.

Summary: This study investigates the uptake and safety of COVID-19 vaccination among pregnant women. The results show that the proportion of vaccinated pregnant women is low, and those who received the vaccine experienced similar pregnancy outcomes compared to unvaccinated pregnant women. There is lower uptake among younger women, non-White ethnicity, and lower socioeconomic background. This study contributes to the evidence on the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and emphasizes the importance of improving awareness among pregnant women and healthcare professionals on vaccine safety.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY (2022)

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Article Obstetrics & Gynecology

Boosting maternal and neonatal humoral immunity following SARS-CoV-2 infection using a single messenger RNA vaccine dose

Lea Nevo et al.

Summary: This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels following SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and the effect of a single post-infection vaccine booster dose on antibody levels in parturients. The results showed that maternal antibody levels decline during pregnancy, but a booster dose of the vaccine can significantly increase antibody levels in both mothers and newborns.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY (2022)

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Article Immunology

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection Versus Vaccination in Pregnancy: Implications for Maternal and Infant Immunity

Maria Giulia Conti et al.

Summary: The study suggests that late pregnancy or lactation vaccination with BNT161b2 can enhance systemic immunity with higher levels of spike-specific immunoglobulins in maternal and neonatal serum. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2 infection induces a more efficient mucosal over systemic immunity through immunoglobulin production in breastmilk. Next-generation vaccines targeting mucosal immunity could provide additional protection to the mother-infant dyad.

CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2022)

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News Item Medicine, General & Internal

The COVID Heart-One Year After SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Patients Have an Array of Increased Cardiovascular Risks

Jennifer Abbasi

JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (2022)

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Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Seroprevalence of Infection-Induced SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies — United States, September 2021–February 2022

Kristie E.N. Clarke et al.

MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT (2022)

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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Compromised SARS-CoV-2-specific placental antibody transfer

Caroline Atyeo et al.

Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection causes more severe disease in pregnant women compared to age-matched non-pregnant women. Transfer of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies across the placenta is significantly reduced compared to other infectious diseases like influenza and pertussis, but can be partially rescued by infection-induced increases in IgG and increased FCGR3A placental expression. These findings provide insights for maternal vaccine design to boost immunity in neonates.

CELL (2021)

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Article Immunology

The legacy of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on the immunology of the neonate

Sarah Gee et al.

Summary: The immune system of neonates born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is affected, with increased percentages of certain immune cells and enhanced cytokine functionality. Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 seems limited, as evidenced by nonspecific immune imprinting and lack of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgM in neonates despite maternal IgG transfer.

NATURE IMMUNOLOGY (2021)

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Article Pediatrics

Assessment of Maternal and Neonatal Cord Blood SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies and Placental Transfer Ratios

Dustin D. Flannery et al.

Summary: Efficient transplacental transfer of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies supports the potential for maternally derived antibodies to provide neonatal protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection. This cohort study assesses the association between maternal and neonatal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific antibody concentrations.

JAMA PEDIATRICS (2021)

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Article Cell Biology

Selective functional antibody transfer into the breastmilk after SARS-CoV-2 infection

Krista M. Pullen et al.

Summary: Antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 are present in breastmilk, with IgA and IgM being the dominant types transferred from maternal serum. The antibodies in breastmilk show distinct functional characteristics compared to those in serum, indicating a selective transfer process for certain functional antibodies.

CELL REPORTS (2021)

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Article Obstetrics & Gynecology

Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine response in pregnant and lactating women: a cohort study

Kathryn J. Gray et al.

Summary: The study found that pregnant and lactating women had equivalent antibody titers after receiving the coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccine compared to nonpregnant women, and these titers were higher than those induced by natural infection. Vaccine-induced antibodies were present in umbilical cord blood and breastmilk samples, transferring immunity to neonates through placenta and breastmilk.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY (2021)

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Editorial Material Obstetrics & Gynecology

Cord blood antibodies following maternal coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination during pregnancy

Leena B. Mithal et al.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY (2021)

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Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Risk for Stillbirth Among Women With and Without COVID-19 at Delivery Hospitalization — United States, March 2020–September 2021

Carla L. DeSisto et al.

MMWR-MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT (2021)

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Article Medicine, General & Internal

Immunogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines in Pregnant and Lactating Women

Ai-ris Y. Collier et al.

Summary: This study assessed the immunogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines in pregnant and lactating women, as well as the responses against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. The results showed that pregnant, lactating, and nonpregnant women developed antibody and T-cell responses following vaccination, with antibodies transferred to infant cord blood and breast milk. While antibody titers against the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants were reduced, T-cell responses remained against the viral variants.

JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Spatiotemporal pattern of COVID-19 spread in Brazil

Marcia C. Castro et al.

Summary: The study found that COVID-19 in Brazil is spreading rapidly across municipalities with distinct spatial and temporal patterns of clustering, trajectories, and speed. Analysis shows that inadequate policy measures have led to high transmission and mortality burdens. The current surge in cases and deaths, along with the circulation of concerning variants, highlights the need for government to strengthen prevention and control measures.

SCIENCE (2021)

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Article Acoustics

Relationship between viral load, infection-to-delivery interval and mother-to-child transfer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies

L. C. Poon et al.

Summary: In pregnant women who have recovered from COVID-19, anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG concentrations at delivery increased with increasing viral load during infection and decreased with increasing infection-to-delivery interval. The median transplacental transfer ratio of IgG was 1.3 and it decreased with increasing viral load during infection.

ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY (2021)

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Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Trends in Mortality From COVID-19 and Other Leading Causes of Death Among Latino vs White Individuals in Los Angeles County, 2011-2020

Paul Simon et al.

JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (2021)

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Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Reduction in life expectancy in Brazil after COVID-19

Marcia C. Castro et al.

Summary: Brazil has been heavily impacted by COVID-19, with a significant increase in deaths in 2020 and 2021, leading to a decline in life expectancy and mortality levels not seen since 20 years ago.

NATURE MEDICINE (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Maternal outcomes and risk factors for COVID-19 severity among pregnant women

Manon Vouga et al.

Summary: Pregnant women with severe COVID-19 are at higher risk of complications, with factors like pulmonary comorbidities, hypertensive disorders, and diabetes being identified as risk factors. Severe maternal outcomes may lead to caesarean section, preterm delivery, and newborns requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.

SCIENTIFIC REPORTS (2021)

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Article Medicine, General & Internal

Passive and active immunity in infants born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy: prospective cohort study

Dongli Song et al.

Summary: Maternal SARS-CoV-2 IgG can efficiently transfer across the placenta when infections occur more than 2 months before delivery, and maternal passive immunity may persist in infants up to 6 months of life. The antibody levels in infants correlate with those in the cord blood during the first 28 weeks after birth.

BMJ OPEN (2021)

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Article Medicine, Research & Experimental

Efficient maternal to neonatal transfer of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

Ofer Beharier et al.

Summary: The study demonstrates that the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine induces a strong maternal IgG response that crosses the placenta barrier to reach fetal titers within 15 days of the first dose. The transfer ratio of anti-COVID-19 antibodies from mother to neonate differs between vaccination and infection groups, with lower IgG transfer ratio for third-trimester compared to second-trimester infection. Additionally, fetal IgM response was only detected in neonates from the infected group.

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION (2021)

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Article Cell Biology

The systemic inflammatory landscape of COVID-19 in pregnancy: Extensive serum proteomic profiling of mother-infant dyads with in utero SARS-CoV-2

Suan-Sin Foo et al.

Summary: Pregnancy increases the risk for severe COVID-19, but the effects of COVID-19 on maternal-fetal health are still unknown. Research shows that prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers immune activation, severe COVID-19 patients exhibit heightened inflammation, and COVID-19 affects maternal immunity and newborns differently.

CELL REPORTS MEDICINE (2021)

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Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health