Expression of Idiotypic Antibodies‐1 and ‐2 and Breastfeeding in Relation to Antibody Levels Against Haemophilus Influenzae Type b in Children

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of serum antibodies against Haemophilus influenzae type b in preschool children in relation to the distribution of idiotypic antibodies 1 and 2 (Id-1 and Id-2) and the exposure to breastfeeding in infancy. Sera were obtained from 74 control children recruited in an earlier case-control study before the introduction of general Hib vaccination. Duration of breastfeeding was monitored, and prevalence of noninvasive infections was registered. Concentrations of IgG1 and IgG2 anti-Hib, as well as of total Id-1 and Id-2, were determined in ELISA. The expression of Id-1 antibodies increased with age in contrast to the Id-2 antibodies that were found only in children up to 24 months of age. Expression of Id-1 antibodies was positively correlated with higher anti-Hib levels of both the IgG1 and IgG2 isotype. Children expressing Id-2 antibodies showed higher IgG2 anti-Hib concentrations than those who did not have Id-2 (P ¼ 0.001). The concentrations of neither Id-1 nor Id-2 antibodies were related to the duration of breastfeeding. Duration of breastfeeding was related to increased anti-Hib IgG2 in healthy children above 18 months of age. These study shows that the expression of idiotype-1 and idiotype-2 antibodies was associated with higher IgG2 anti-Hib concentration and that breastfeeding could enhance the anti-Hib IgG2 production in children.

Breastfeeding is an essential complement to vaccination

“…Other studies of the same research group had indicated that breastfeeding enhanced the long‐term IgG2 antibody response to Hib infections (33), suggesting that protection conferred by breastfeeding against Haemophilus influenzae meningitis could be traced 5–10 years later (34). These results concur that the duration of breastfeeding is related to higher levels of IgG2 anti‐Hib above 18 months of age (35).…”

Breast-Feeding and Responses to Infant Vaccines: Constitutional and Environmental Factors

“…97 Breast-feeding seems to enhance the long-term IgG2 antibody response to Hib infections 98 ; indeed the duration of breast-feeding was related to higher levels of IgG2 anti-Hib in Swedish infants. 99 Breast-feeding for more than 90 days improved serological responses when type of feeding was studied in relation to conjugate Hib and pneumococcal vaccines. 100 However, the opposite results were reported for Australian infants vaccinated with Hib (polyribosyl ribitol phosphate-outer membrane protein); breast-feeding was associated with lower plasma antibody titers.…”

Alkylglycerols Modulate the Proliferation and Differentiation of Non-Specific Agonist and Specific Antigen-Stimulated Splenic Lymphocytes

“…Clinical study showed that human milk provides advantages in terms of immunity, as well as significantly reduces the risk for a variety of chronic and acute diseases [5]. It was also demonstrated that human milk can enhance antibody response after vaccination [6]. Antibody production in response to immunization is lower in preterm and very low birth weight infants than in term normal birth weight infants due to their immature immune system [7].…”