Transfer of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prefusion F Protein Antibody in Low Birthweight Infants

Abstract

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)–associated lower respiratory tract infection contributes significantly to morbidity/mortality worldwide in low birthweight (LBW) infants (<2500 g). Studies have demonstrated decreased maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) transfer of various antibodies to LBW infants. We aimed to evaluate naturally acquired RSV anti–prefusion F protein (anti-preF) antibody transfer in pregnancies with LBW versus normal birthweight (NBW) infants. Methods In this cohort study conducted among pregnant individuals and their infants, we tested paired maternal and singleton infant cord samples for RSV anti-preF IgG via an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, using linear regression to evaluate associations between LBW and anti-preF IgG. Covariates included seasonality, insurance, small-for-gestational-age birthweight, and gestational age at delivery. Results We tested maternal/cord RSV anti-preF IgG from 54 and 110 pregnancies with LBW and NBW infants, respectively. Of LBW infants, 22 (40.7%) were born both preterm and with small-for-gestational-age birthweight. The median (interquartile range) gestational age at delivery and birthweight were 34.0 (31.7–37.1) weeks and 1902 (1393–2276) g for LBW infants versus 39.1 (38.3–39.9) weeks and 3323 (3109–3565) g for NBW infants (both P < .001). In unadjusted comparisons, preterm infants had significantly lower cord anti-preF IgG levels and cord-maternal IgG ratios compared with full-term infants, while LBW infants had significantly lower cord-maternal IgG ratios than NBW infants (all P < .01). After adjustment for covariates, there was no difference in cord-maternal IgG ratios (β =−0.29 [95% confidence interval, −.63 to .05]) between LBW and NBW infants. Conclusions We documented robust transfer of maternal RSV anti-preF IgG in pregnancies with both LBW and NBW infants. Further studies are needed to assess immune protection in at-risk infants.