ISSN:
1432-1076
Keywords:
Group B streptococci: types Ia, Ib, II, III
;
IgG antibody levels
;
Premature infants
;
Early onset septicemia
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Sera from 33 newborn infants with gestational ages ranging from 27 to 41 weeks were tested by radioimmunoassay for IgG antibodies to surface antigens of group B streptococci (GBS) types Ia, Ib, II and III. Antibody levels to GBS antigens were positively correlated to gestational age and birthweight. However, only the correlations for anti-Ia and anti-II antibody levels reached statistical significance. Mean antibody concentrations in infants below 34 weeks of gestation were significantly lower for type Ia (P〈0.001), type II (P〈0.001) and type III (P=0.05) than in infants above this limit. These findings might explain the higher rate of serious GBS-infections found among prematures as compared to full-term infants.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00445584
Permalink