Maternal immunisation: collaborating with mother nature

Lancet Infect Dis. 2017 Jul;17(7):e197-e208. doi: 10.1016/S1473-3099(17)30229-3. Epub 2017 Apr 19.

Abstract

Maternal immunisation has the potential to substantially reduce morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases after birth. The success of tetanus, influenza, and pertussis immunisation during pregnancy has led to consideration of additional maternal immunisation strategies to prevent group B streptococcus and respiratory syncytial virus infections, among others. However, many gaps in knowledge regarding the immunobiology of maternal immunisation prevent the optimal design and application of this successful public health intervention. Therefore, we did an innovative landscape analysis to identify research priorities. Key topics were delineated through review of the published literature, consultation with vaccine developers and regulatory agencies, and a collaborative workshop that gathered experts across several maternal immunisation initiatives-group B streptococcus, respiratory syncytial virus, pertussis, and influenza. Finally, a global online survey prioritised the identified knowledge gaps on the basis of expert opinion about their importance and relevance. Here we present the results of this worldwide landscape analysis and discuss the identified research gaps.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Developing Countries
  • Female
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Maternally-Acquired*
  • Immunization / methods*
  • Immunization / statistics & numerical data
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / immunology
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / prevention & control*
  • Prenatal Care / methods
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / prevention & control
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / prevention & control
  • Streptococcal Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines
  • Streptococcal Vaccines