Shahana Choudhury
Meharry Medical College,USA
Title: Immunities to Measles and Varicella in HIV-Infected Mothers and Passive Immunities in Their Infants Compared to Their Uninfected Counterparts
Biography
Biography: Shahana Choudhury
Abstract
Immunity to varicella and measles have not been compared in HIV seropositive and seronegative pregnant women and their infants. Antibody levels to varicella and measles were evaluated in 14 HIV seropositive and 34 seronegative pregnant women, 14 HIV exposed and 26 un-exposed cord bloods, and followed-up prospectively in 23 HIV exposed and unexposed infants around 3- 7 months of age by ELISA (99 samples) and by EIA (13 samples) for measles and by immunofluorescence (IFA) for varicella. Correlates of immunity were defined as antibody levels measles (> 1.09 OD ratio or EIA) and >1:8 IFA for varicella. Antibody levels were correlated with T cell counts in HIV seropositive mothers. Mean (range) ages of women at time of serologic tests were 27 (18-40), and 25 (15-41) years for HIV and control groups, respectively. Antibody levels to measles were significantly (P= 0.04) lower in cord bloods of HIV exposed infants compared to the controls. T cell counts were lower in HIV seropositive women non-immune (268/mm3) to measles compared to those immune (618/mm3), but insignificantly (P= 0.07). Immunity to measles and varicella as recognized by antibody levels declined significantly in both HIV exposed and unexposed infants by 3- 7 months of age.