Antibody response to tetanus toxoid during pregnancy
Rao, V.R.; Raman, L.
Indian Journal of Medical Research 72: 840-842
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5340 PMID: 7228188 Document Number: 166715
In a study undertaken to assess the antibody response to different levels of tetanus toxoid administered to mothers, pregnant women were immunized with 1 and 2 doses of tetanus toxoid (10 Lf/ml) in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Paired samples of the maternal and cord blood were analyzed for antitoxin titer. Mothers immunized with 2 doses of tetanus toxoid showed sufficient antibody titer in their own and their infant's blood samples, indicating adequate immunization of the neonate towards tetanus neonatorum. Pregnant women belonging to middle socioeconomic status showed a higher titer both in the maternal and cord sera, as compared to their counterparts from the low socioeconomic group. Of mothers and infants from the low socioeconomic group, 25-30% were below the protective level based on antibody titer (< 0.01 M/ml). A significant correlation was observed between maternal and cord blood titers.