Infections at the maternal–fetal interface: an overview of pathogenesis and defence

Megli, Christina; Coyne, Carolyn B.

doi:10.1038/s41579-021-00610-y

Cited by 255 publications

(220 citation statements)

References 224 publications

(238 reference statements)

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“…The placenta physiologically limits vertical transmission during pregnancy and has developed robust microbial defense mechanisms. It remains, to this day, uncertain whether the SARS-CoV-2, among the various microorganisms that cause congenital diseases, may have evolved different mechanisms to circumvent these defenses [15]. The risk of vertical transmission from infected mothers to their neonates was assessed during previous coronavirus outbreaks, but no significant number of cases of vertical transmission has been reported to date [16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing SARS-CoV-2 Vertical Transmission and Neonatal Complications

Cîtu

Neamtu

Sorop

et al. 2021

JCM

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We designed and implemented a prospective study to analyze the maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with COVID-19 and determine the likelihood of viral transmission to the fetus and newborn by collecting samples from amniotic fluid, placenta, umbilical cord blood, and breast milk. The study followed a prospective observational design, starting in July 2020 and lasting for one year. A total of 889 pregnant women were routinely tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection in an outpatient setting at our clinic, using nasal swabs for PCR testing. A total of 76 women were diagnosed with COVID-19. The positive patients who accepted study enrollment were systematically analyzed by collecting weekly nasal, urine, fecal, and serum samples, including amniotic fluid, placenta, umbilical cord, and breast milk at hospital admission and postpartum. Mothers with COVID-19 were at a significantly higher risk of developing gestational hypertension and giving birth prematurely by c-section than the general pregnant population. Moreover, their mortality rates were substantially higher. Their newborns did not have negative outcomes, except for prematurity, and an insignificant number of newborns were infected with SARS-CoV-2 (5.4%). No amniotic fluid samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2, and only 1.01% of PCR tests from breast milk were confirmed positive. Based on these results, we support the idea that SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women do not expose their infants to an additional risk of infection via breastfeeding, close contact, or in-utero. Consequently, we do not support maternal–newborn separation at delivery since they do not seem to be at an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing SARS-CoV-2 Vertical Transmission and Neonatal Complications

Cîtu

Neamtu

Sorop

et al. 2021

JCM

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“…The placenta is the main organ appointed to filter toxic molecules, allowing the exchange of nutrients and solutes and acting as a specialized interface between the mother and the developing fetus [26], as well is fundamental for pathogen's vertical transmission. In addition, it naturally acts as an immune barrier that enables the active transport of maternal immunoglobulins G (IgG) by neonatal Fc receptors to the fetus [27]. However, many viruses such as rubella virus, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex viruses can cross the placenta by-passing its immune protection.…”

Section: Zikv In Vertical Transmission and Congenital Diseasesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, many viruses such as rubella virus, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex viruses can cross the placenta by-passing its immune protection. ZIKV is a TORCH group member (Toxoplasma gondii, other, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, parvovirus B19) [28], an acronym coined referring to several pathogenic viruses, bacteria and parasites known to traverse the maternal-fetal barrier, causing miscarriage and congenital anomalies [27]. The placentae show histopathological damage and abnormal organelles at an ultrastructural level during ZIKV infections [26].…”

Section: Zikv In Vertical Transmission and Congenital Diseasesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are the Organoid Models an Invaluable Contribution to ZIKA Virus Research?

2021

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In order to prevent new pathogen outbreaks and avoid possible new global health threats, it is important to study the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, screen new antiviral agents and test new vaccines using the best methods. In the last decade, organoids have provided a groundbreaking opportunity for modeling pathogen infections in human brains, including Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. ZIKV is a member of the Flavivirus genus, and it is recognized as an emerging infectious agent and a serious threat to global health. Organoids are 3D complex cellular models that offer an in-scale organ that is physiologically alike to the original one, useful for exploring the mechanisms behind pathogens infection; additionally, organoids integrate data generated in vitro with traditional tools and often support those obtained in vivo with animal model. In this mini-review the value of organoids for ZIKV research is examined and sustained by the most recent literature. Within a 3D viewpoint, tissue engineered models are proposed as future biological systems to help in deciphering pathogenic processes and evaluate preventive and therapeutic strategies against ZIKV. The next steps in this field constitute a challenge that may protect people and future generations from severe brain defects.

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“…Viral and bacterial infections during pregnancy have been associated with an array of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion, premature birth, stillbirth, intrauterine growth restriction, and fetal neurological defects [1][2][3][4]. During pregnancy, the mother and her semi-allogeneic fetus coexist, despite the robust maternal immune repertoire at the maternal-fetal interface [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pathogenic Infections during Pregnancy and the Consequences for Fetal Brain Development

Jash

Sharma

2022

Pathogens

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Pathogens comprised of viruses, bacteria, gut microbiome, and parasites are a leading cause of ever-emerging diseases in humans. Studying pathogens for their ability to cause diseases is a topic of critical discussion among scientists and pharmaceutical centers for effective drug development that diagnose, treat, and prevent infection-associated disorders. Pathogens impact health either directly by invading the host or by eliciting an acute inflammatory immune response. This paradigm of inflammatory immune responses is even more consequential in people who may be immunocompromised. In this regard, pregnancy offers an altered immunity scenario, which may allow the onset of severe diseases. Viruses, such as Influenza, HIV, and now SARS-CoV-2, associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, raise new concerns for maternal and fetal/neonatal health. Intrauterine bacterial and parasitic infections are also known to impact pregnancy outcomes and neonatal health. More importantly, viral and bacterial infections during pregnancy have been identified as a common contributor to fetal brain development defects. Infection-mediated inflammatory uterine immune milieu is thought to be the main trigger for causing poor fetal brain development, resulting in long-term cognitive impairments. The concept of in utero programming of childhood and adult disorders has revolutionized the field of neurodevelopment and its associated complications. Recent findings in mice and humans clearly support the idea that uterine immunity during pregnancy controls the health trajectory of the child and considerably influences the cognitive function and mental health. In this review, we focus on the in utero programming of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and assess the effects of pathogens on the onset of ASD-like symptoms.

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Infections at the maternal–fetal interface: an overview of pathogenesis and defence

Cited by 255 publications

References 224 publications

Assessing SARS-CoV-2 Vertical Transmission and Neonatal Complications

Assessing SARS-CoV-2 Vertical Transmission and Neonatal Complications

Are the Organoid Models an Invaluable Contribution to ZIKA Virus Research?

Pathogenic Infections during Pregnancy and the Consequences for Fetal Brain Development

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