CORD BLOOD IGG ANTIBODIES AGAINST SARS COV-2 IN PREGNANT WOMEN AT A RURAL TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: The significant risks posed to mothers and fetus by COVID-19 in pregnancy have sparked a worldwide debate surrounding the antenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination.ACOG and CDC recognize pregnancy as a risk factor,Recent data demonstrated that pregnant women with COVID-19 infection are at increased risk for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, and death, compared with properly matched nonpregnant women. Moreover,COVID-19 illness increases the risk for pregnancy complications such as preterm birth,pregnancy-induced hypertensive diseases, and thromboembolic diseases. Maternal IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 where transferred across the placenta after asymptomatic as well as symptomatic infection during pregnancy. Proper transfer of neutralizing antibodies may be critical during pregnancy,as a greater proportion of neonates and infants have severe or critical illness upon COVID-19 infection than older pediatric counterparts. Aims and Objectives: To detect cord blood IgG antibodies against SARS CoV-2 in pregnant women.To assess the association between maternal and fetal SARS-CoV2 specific antibodies.Methods:A brief questionnaire was administered to 42 antenatal women attending for delivery at Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana State. The questionnaire included information such as vaccination status, previous history of Covid infection, presence of any symptoms at the time of admission, comorbid conditions like DM, HTN,Thyroid disorders, etc. Following delivery, 2ml cord blood sample has been collected. Serum has been separated and used for detection of SARS CoV-2 IgG antibody titers by quantitative ELISA. Results: Among 42 antenatal cases,4 were controls among them two were positive control and two were negative controls.Out of remaining 38, the SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies are detected in 14 cases. IgG was detected in the cord blood for 33.3% of the total cases. Among those detected positive for antibodies, 50% had preterm deliveries. Conclusion: IgG antibodies have been detected in the cord blood collected from the vaccinated women as well as the women affected with SARS-Co-2 and even increased the risk for pregnancy complications such as preterm birth, pregnancy-induced hypertensive diseases,Gestational Diabetes.