Immunization of pregnant women with group B streptococcal type III capsular polysaccharide-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine.

Author(s): Baker CJ, Rench MA, McInnes P

Affiliation(s): Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. cbaker@bcm.tmc.edu

Publication date & source: 2003-07-28, Vaccine., 21(24):3468-72.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

AIM: To determine the safety and immunogenicity of group B streptococcal (GBS) type III CPS-TT conjugate vaccine in pregnant women. METHODS: Prospective, randomized (2:1, vaccine:placebo), double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in women at 30-32 weeks' gestation and their infants. Immune responses were measured with IgG-specific ELISA assays; killing of III GBS by 1- and 2-month infant sera was assessed by opsonophagocytosis. RESULTS: Immunization was well-tolerated; maternal and infant outcomes were similar in vaccine and placebo groups. III-TT conjugate elicited good levels of IgG to III CPS that were functionally active against type III GBS through age 2 months. CONCLUSION: Maternal immunization with GBS CPS-TT conjugates could prevent maternal, neonatal and young infant GBS disease.