Correlation between serum antibody-levels against group B streptococci and gestational age in newborns

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Abstract
Sera from 33 newborn infants with gestational ages ranging from 27 to 41 weeks were tested by radioimmunoassay for IgG antibodies to surface antigens of group B streptococci (GBS) types Ia, Ib, II and III. Antibody levels to GBS antigens were positively correlated to gestational age and birthweight. However, only the correlations for anti-Ia and anti-II antibody levels reached statistical significance. Mean antibody concentrations in infants below 34 weeks of gestation were significantly lower for type Ia (PPP=0.05) than in infants above this limit. These findings might explain the higher rate of serious GBS-infections found among prematures as compared to full-term infants.