We examined the dynamics of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) transmission within families. Our investigation demonstrated significantly lower rates of COVID-19 positivity in children compared with adults residing in the same household. Children of 5–17 years of age were 61% and children of 0–4 years of age were 47% less likely to have positive polymerase chain reaction results compared with adults residing in the same household.
Objective
We compared neonatal immunity after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy to that achieved after maternal infection.
Study design
We tested cord blood from women infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy (group 1,
n
= 29), women who were vaccinated during pregnancy (group 2,
n
= 29) and from women not infected and not vaccinated (Group 3,
n
= 21) for titers of antibodies to both SARS-CoV-2 spike and ‘N’ proteins.
Results
Seventy-nine women were included: Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were detected in all samples from Group 1 and 2. Antibodies to the ‘N’ protein were detected in 25/29 samples in Group 1. None of the samples from Group 3 had antibodies to either protein. Mean titers of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (
p
< 0.05).
Conclusions
Neonates born to mothers vaccinated during pregnancy have higher antibody titers and may therefore have more prolonged protection than those born to women infected during pregnancy.
Objective
There is limited data regarding the safety of vaginal delivery in women infected with COVID-19. Our goal was to assess the safety of vaginal delivery in women infected with COVID-19 and the risk of neonatal infection.
Study design
This was a single medical center cohort study. Data were collected about the outcome of twenty-one women with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection who delivered between March 23, 2020, and May 8, 2020.
Results
Twenty-one gravidas were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection. None required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and there were no fatalities. Seventeen delivered vaginally and four by caesareans. Apgar scores of all neonates were 9 at 1 minute and 10 at 5 minutes. One neonate was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection 24 hours after birth.
Conclusions
Vaginal delivery in women infected with COVID-19 is not associated with a significant risk of neonatal infection.
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