The vaccine response of babies may be linked to the delivery method used at birth, according to a new study.
The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that babies who were delivered vaginally had a better response to certain vaccines than those who were delivered by Caesarean section.
The researchers looked at data from more than 700 babies in the United States and found that those who were delivered vaginally had a better response to the pneumococcal vaccine and the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine than those who were delivered by C-section.
The researchers say that the findings suggest that the environment in the womb may play a role in shaping the immune system of the developing fetus.
“These results suggest that the vaginal delivery may enhance the development of the immune system and subsequent response to vaccines,” said study author Dr. Mario Filice, of the University of Rome.
The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking C-section delivery to a number of health problems in childhood, including allergies, asthma, obesity and type 1 diabetes.
While the exact mechanisms by which delivery method may influence the developing immune system are not yet clear, the researchers say that the findings highlight the importance of further research into the matter.
“These findings underscore the importance of continuing to investigate the possible mechanisms linking Cesarean delivery with adverse long-term health outcomes,” said Dr. Filice.
According to a new study, the way a baby is delivered may influence the baby’s immune system and how well they respond to vaccines.
The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that babies who were born vaginally had a better response to vaccines than babies who were born via cesarean section.
Babies who were born vaginally had a higher concentration of certain immune cells called T-cells, which are important for mounting an effective response to vaccines. The study did not find a difference in the concentration of B-cells, another type of immune cell.
The study’s authors say that the findings suggest that the way a baby is delivered may have an impact on their early immune system development. They say more research is needed to confirm the findings and to understand the mechanisms behind them.
The findings have implications for public health, as cesarean deliveries are on the rise globally. If the findings are confirmed, it may be necessary to reconsider the timing of vaccines for babies born via cesarean section.
