Mumps and Rubella-Specific IgG Levels of Term Pregnant Women and Their Neonates

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate seropositivities in term pregnant women and their neonates, and the transplacental transfer rate of maternal mumps and rubella- specific IgG from term pregnant women to their neonates. METHODS: During Jun. 1, 1994 to Mar. 31. 1995, we collected 44 pairs of sera from pregnant women and their neonates in Anam Hospital of Korea University Medical Center. The serum levels of mumps and rubella-specific IgG was measured using the ELISA method. RESULTS: The seropositivities of Mumps-specific IgG were 84.1% in mothers and 90.9% in neonates. There was significant correlation of mumps-specific IgG levels between maternal sera and neonatal umbilical cord sera (correlation coefficient r=0.856, P<0.001). The mean antibody level of neonates was 1.2 times higher than that of the mothers (P<0.05). The seropositivities of rubella- specific IgG were 38.6% in mothers and 38.6% in neonates. There was significant correlation of rubella-specific IgG levels between maternal sera and neonatal umbilical cord sera (correlation coefficient r=0.8370, P<0.001). There was no significant difference of the mean antibody levels between mothers and neonates. CONCLUSION: The transplacental transport rate and the seropositivities of mumps-specific IgG of mother and neonates were appropriate for expected values, but those of the rubella-specific IgG were lower than expected values. The above results suggest re-evaluating the current vaccination schedules of mumps and rubella in Korea.