Absence of antibodies against Bordetella pertussis in pregnant women and newborns in the state of Nuevo Leon.

AbstractAims: To assess placental transfer of antibodies to the child at birth and at 2 months of age. Materials and methods: For the quantification of anti-PT IgG antibodies, we used an indirect enzyme-linked immu -nosorbent assay standardized by The National Institute of Epidemiologic Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE). Samples were considered negative from 0 to 48 IU/mL, indetermi-nate from 49 to 93 IU/mL and positive at ≥ 94 IU/mL. We performed a cross-sectional assessment of anti-PT IgG antibody levels in the mother, umbilical cord, and child. Results: There was a higher concentration of IgG anti-TP in the umbilical cord (4.3%) and in the mother (1.4%), but a total absence was observed in the child (0%). Conclusion: The vulnerability of children to Bordetella pertussis shows the need to implement effective immu-nization strategies, whether actively, in the child, or pas-sively through the mother, adolescents, and adults who are in contact with the child. Keywords: anti-PT IgG; Bordetella pertussis