Passive immunity in newborn from SARS-CoV-2-infected mother

J Med Virol. 2021 Mar;93(3):1810-1813. doi: 10.1002/jmv.26609. Epub 2020 Nov 10.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vertical transmission is an open issue. Recent reports call into question in utero or peripartum viral transmission to the offspring. Few data are available on immunoglobulin G (IgG) and/or IgM in newborns. Insufficient evidence is available regarding passive immunity in neonates born from SARS-CoV-2 infected women. We report a case of a neonate showing the presence of blood specific IgG and the absence of IgM and negative nasopharyngeal swab. He was born from an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected mother with positive IgG and IgM. The transplacental passage of specific IgG antibodies from the affected mother to the unaffected fetus highlights neonatal passive immunity.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus; passive immunity; vertical transmission.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis
  • COVID-19 / transmission*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Maternally-Acquired / immunology*
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical*
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / virology
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M