H1N1v in Infancy

At COPSAC, we aim to monitor the development of clinical H1N1v Influenza infection in infants of the ABC Cohort and to assess the immune protection in relation to the mother's H1N1v vaccination or natural infection.

Research questions:

• At what age should H1N1v vaccination be provided for infants?
• What intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors predict risk for severe H1N1v infection?
• Which immune mediators are driving the acute H1N1v infection in infants?

H1N1v viral characteristics are identified by sequencing.  Bacterial and viral co- infections are identified, and the acute local immune response in airway mucosa during clinical H1N1v infection is measured.

The duration of immune protection conferred from mother's infection or vaccination is assessed by Hemoagglutinin Inhibition (HI) test for H1N1v antibody titre in cord blood and blood sampled at age 6 and 12 months.

Furthermore, T-cell function is assessed in the cord blood and blood sampled during the first year of life.