Preterm and term neonates transplacentally acquire IgG antibodies specific to LPS fromKlebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coliandPseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

High incidences of Gram-negative bacteria are found in neonatal nosocomial infections. Our aim was to investigate placental transmission of immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactive with lipopolysaccharide from Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli O111, O6 and O26. The total and lipopolysaccharide-specific IgM and IgG were determined in 11 maternal/umbilical-cord sera aged ≤33 weeks (GI); 21 aged >33 and <37 weeks (GII); and 32 term newborns (GIII). The total and lipopolysaccharide-specific IgM concentrations were equivalent in maternal sera. The total IgG concentrations were equivalent in maternal and newborn sera, with the exception of GIII newborns as compared with their mothers (P<0.0001) and with neonates from GI and GII (P<0.05). Lipopolysaccharide-specific IgG concentrations were lower in GI neonates than in their mothers (P<0.01) and lower in GII (P<0.05). Lower lipopolysaccharide-specific IgG levels were observed among neonates only for O111 in GI (P<0.05) and for O26 and Pseudomonas in GII, both as compared with GIII (P<0.05). The anti-lipopolysaccharide IgG transfer ratios were lower in GI (except for O26) and in GII (except for Klebsiella and O111) as compared with GIII (P<0.05). Our results suggest that the greater susceptibility to infections in preterm infants is influenced (besides the humoral response) by factors intrinsic and extrinsic to the condition of prematurity.

IgG Placental Transfer in Healthy and Pathological Pregnancies

“…It was reported by Michaux et al [44] that total IgG concentrations in cord sera tend to be lower than in their mothers when total IgG levels in maternal serum reached 15 g/L. This is in agreement with other works that have demonstrated significant negative correlations between maternal levels of IgG and placental transfer ratios to the neonate for both total IgG and, interestingly, IgG specific to measles, LPS and other antigens [41, 45, 46]. …”

“…Accordingly, in a recent study, van den Berg et al [54] found significantly lower transplacental transmission of IgG in preterm infants (<32 weeks) than in full-term infants for antibodies against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), and Neisseria meningitides serogroup C. In agreement with these data, Silveira Lessa et al [46] evaluated the placental transfer ratios of IgG antibodies reactive with Klebsiella , Pseudomonas, and E. coli O111, O26, and O6 lipopolysaccharides and showed lower anti-LPS IgG transfer ratios in preterm groups (<33 weeks and >33 weeks) as compared with term ones (>37 weeks).…”

“…Total IgG concentrations in cord serum samples from newborns in different gestational weeks [46, 60]. *Number of samples in each period.…”

Expression of FcRn receptor in placental tissue and its relationship with IgG levels in term and preterm newborns

“…Premature neonates are even more susceptible to infections due to several factors, including immature mechanical barriers, limited neutrophils function, low plasma concentrations of specific antibodies, low activities of the complement system proteins and poor cooperation between T and B lymphocytes. This favors bacterial translocation across the intestinal epithelium and dissemination to other organs and tissues, thereby increasing the risk of systemic infections and potential for sepsis 23,24,25 .…”

Arsenic and Immune Response to Infection During Pregnancy and Early Life

“…These are the receptors responsible for transplacental transport of maternal serum IgG antibodies to the developing fetus. Several past studies have observed that an increase in maternal total IgG can lead to lower transplacental transfer ratios for IgG antibodies specific to anti-tetanus [36], anti-measles [37, 38], and anti-lipopolysaccharide from E. coli [39]. Consistency of arsenic’s effect on total immunoglobulin (Ig) levels has also been observed among non-pregnant adults, who demonstrate measurably elevated serum total IgG as well as total IgA and IgE [20].…”