Vertical Virus Transmission from SARS-CoV-2-positive Mothers to Neonates: A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience

Abstract

Objectives:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is evolving rapidly worldwide. However, little is known about the association between pregnant women with COVID-19 and its transmission to neonates. This investigation aimed to see if COVID-19 infection could be transmitted vertically into the uterus. Methods:We conducted a prospective observational study. 48 COVID-19 infected mothers were enrolled during their third trimester. A qRT-PCR assay of the nasal and oropharyngeal swab samples was performed to confirm positive for COVID-19 infection as per WHO protocol. In addition, characteristics of pregnant women with confirmed SARS -CoV-2 infection and newborns were documented.Results: Forty-eight expectant mothers, 10 (20.8%) were found symptomatic, and 38 (79.2%) were asymptomatic, with COVID-19 infection were delivered (33 cesarean section & 15 vaginal deliveries). One female child (4.1%) out of 48 newborns was initially diagnosed with COVID-19 infection based on a nucleic acid qRT-PCR. The female child showed no or negligible signs and recovered completely, whereas 47 neonates (95.9%) confirmed negative. None of the mothers or neonates died from COVID-19 related pulmonary problems. Conclusion:There is insufficient evidence on vertical virologic transmission of COVID-19 infection during the third trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, research and surveillance involving adequate testing of samples of placental tissue, breast milk, vaginal swab, amniotic fluid, and cord blood will be needed to establish the possibility of vertical transmission of infection.

Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Associated With COVID-19 Infection in Pregnant Mothers Admitted in Tertiary Care Hospital in Central State of India

“…Similarly, there is previous evidence reported that vertical transmission of COVID-19 from mother to child is relatively rare [ 3 , 5 , 8 , 11 , 12 ], although transmission may occur during pregnancy, postpartum, childbirth, and close contact with infected mothers [ 12 ]. In a report, no SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in the breastmilk of 110 pregnant women during the infection, indicating and discovered that breast milk poses no danger of viral transmission via breastmilk into the newborn [ 11 , 13 ]. There is some controversy exists regarding the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the amniotic fluid; we reported negativity of amniotic fluid from 396 mothers, and several other studies are also reported in support of our findings.…”

“…No evidence of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was reported in our research findings, as all the other biological samples of mothers such as amniotic fluid, breast milk, cord blood, and placental tissues collected during the pregnancies were tested negative for the presence of SARS-CoV-2. Similarly, there is previous evidence reported that vertical transmission of COVID-19 from mother to child is relatively rare [3,5,8,11,12], although transmission may occur during pregnancy, postpartum, childbirth, and close contact with infected mothers [12]. In a report, no SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in the breastmilk of 110 pregnant women during the infection, indicating and discovered that breast milk poses no danger of viral transmission via breastmilk into the newborn [11,13].…”

Harnessing the potential of antimicrobial peptides: current advances and future applications

“…f) Biomedical research: AMPs are valuable tools in biomedical research for studying host-pathogen interactions, antimicrobial mechanisms, and developing new therapeutic strategies against infectious diseases. [16][17][18] They can also be used as molecular probes for detecting and targeting specific microbial pathogens.…”

Rising antibiotic resistance: growing concern

“…There are several mechanisms behind antimicrobial resistance 8,9 for instance, A barrier to some types of chemicals is provided by the LPS (lipopolysaccharide) layer in gram negative bacteria. Because of this, certain bacteria have inbuilt resistance to specific classes of powerful antimicrobial medicines.…”