Enhancing Infant Immunity: Effect of Early Maternal Treatment for Parasitic Infections

Charles King of Case Western Reserve University in the U.S. and his team will study how chronic parasitic infections in pregnant mothers affect infant immunity and childhood development. Using existing and prospective maternal-child cohorts in Kenya they will analyze the effect of parasitic infections, such as schistosomiasis and intestinal helminths, encountered in utero on subsequent infant vaccine responses, and on general growth and development later in childhood. They will also test whether specific anti-parasitic treatment during pregnancy can improve childhood immunity and development.