Human immunodeficiency virus infection: In situ polymerase chain reaction localization in human placentas after in utero and in vitro infection

cisExpression of DC-SIGN Allows for More Efficient Entry of Human and Simian Immunodeficiency Viruses via CD4 and a Coreceptor

“…We have previously shown that DC-SIGN is expressed on both maternal decidual macrophages and fetal Hofbauer cells in human placenta (34) and on some human alveolar macrophages (E. Soilleux, L. S. Morris, G. Leslie et al, submitted for publication). Both alveolar and placental tissue macrophages have been reported to express very low levels of CD4 and to be targets for HIV infection in vivo (16,17,20,22,25,31). In the case of SIV, macrophage tropism is often associated with changes in the viral Env protein that either make it CD4 independent or better able to infect cells that express low levels of CD4 (2, 22; B. Puffer, S. Pohlmann, A. L. Edinger et al, submitted for publication).…”

Histologic correlates of viral and bacterial infection of the placenta associated with severe morbidity and mortality in the newborn

“…Although the placenta may show severe villitis in cases of neonatal infection, it has been well documented that infection of the villi may be associated with minor, nonspecific histologic changes in cases of severe neonatal morbidity. [1][2][3][4][5][6][13][14][15][16][17][18] For example, the histologic changes in the placenta in cases of infection by rubella, enterovirus, HIV-1, and group B streptococcus may be minor when there is marked neonatal morbidity. [1][2][3][4][5][6][13][14][15][16][17][18] Although this may reflect sampling, it was noted in this study that the infectious agent was usually present in Ն10% of villi and in each of the placental blocks examined.…”

“…However, in many cases, there is poor correlation between the pathologic findings in the placenta and neonatal outcome. [1][2][3][4][5][6] This lack of correlation probably has multiple explanations, including relatively reduced immunologic activity in the placenta and the importance of cytokine-modulated vascular constriction in fetal vessels that can be strongly and directly influenced by a variety of viral and bacterial products. 7 Thus, although certain histologic changes such as lymphoplasmacytic and granulomatous villitis may suggest a certain infectious etiology (syphilis), in most cases the histologic findings are considered nonspecific.…”

“…7 Thus, although certain histologic changes such as lymphoplasmacytic and granulomatous villitis may suggest a certain infectious etiology (syphilis), in most cases the histologic findings are considered nonspecific. [1][2][3][4][5][6] This statement applies even in cases such as rubella, coxsackie virus, and group B streptococcal infection of the placenta, in which there is unequivocal and serious morbidity in the child. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Neonatal morbidity, especially as it relates to encephalopathy, is a serious issue with strong medicolegal implications.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] This statement applies even in cases such as rubella, coxsackie virus, and group B streptococcal infection of the placenta, in which there is unequivocal and serious morbidity in the child. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Neonatal morbidity, especially as it relates to encephalopathy, is a serious issue with strong medicolegal implications. A report issued on January 31, 2003 by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatricians concluded, "an underlying event before labor was the primary factor for the adverse outcome associated with newborn encephalopathy and cerebral palsy in 70% of cases."…”