Placental Histopathology of Congenital Syphilis

Placental Syphilis: A Comprehensive Review of Routine Histomorphology, HIV Co-infection, Penicillin Treatment, Immunohistochemistry, and Polymerase Chain Reaction

Introduction: Placental examination is valuable for diagnosing congenital syphilis, but the classic histological triad is not always observed. This study aimed to identify additional morphological clues, evaluate the sensitivity of IHC and qPCR, and investigate the impact of HIV co-infection and penicillin treatment on placental morphology. Materials and methods: Two hundred and fifteen placental specimens with treponemal infection were reviewed. Morphological findings, IHC, and qPCR results were analyzed. Results: Chronic villitis (94%), acute chorioamnionitis (91.6%), and villous immaturity (65.6%) were the most common abnormalities. HIV co-infection and penicillin treatment were associated with reduced frequencies of inflammatory lesions. IHC and qPCR exhibited sensitivities of 74.4 and 25.8%, respectively, confirming the diagnosis in 42 cases with negative or unknown serology. Conclusion: Villitis, chorioamnionitis, and villous immaturity were identified as the predominant placental abnormalities. HIV co-infection and penicillin treatment can impact morphology and hamper the diagnosis. IHC and q-PCR are valuable adjuncts when serology is negative.

Nonhuman Primate Models of Zika Virus Infection and Disease during Pregnancy

Since the explosive outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil and South/Central America in 2015-2016, the frequency of infections has subsided, but Zika virus remains present in this region as well as other tropical and sub-tropical areas of the globe. The most alarming aspect of Zika virus infection is its association with severe birth defects when infection occurs in pregnant women. Understanding the mechanism of Zika virus pathogenesis, which comprises features unique to Zika virus as well as shared with other teratogenic pathogens, is key to future prophylactic or therapeutic interventions. Nonhuman primate-based research has played a significant role in advancing our knowledge of Zika virus pathogenesis, especially with regard to fetal infection. This review summarizes what we have learned from these models and potential future research directions.

Non-immune Hydrops Fetalis and Hepatic Dysfunction in a Preterm Infant With Congenital Syphilis

We report a case of a preterm infant with congenital syphilis who presented with non-immune hydrops fetalis. Hepatic dysfunction was present at birth and acutely worsened following antibiotic administration. Placental pathology demonstrated infiltration with numerous spirochetes. Although critically ill, the infant recovered with intravenous penicillin G and supportive care. This case demonstrates that congenital syphilis remains a contemporary disease demanding enhanced awareness from clinicians. Manifestations evident in utero or in the newborn can be severe and may result in fetal demise or neonatal death. Moreover, we hypothesize that the treatment resulted in a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction as manifested by the hepatic deterioration. The incidence of congenital syphilis and its associated complications can be greatly reduced with strict adherence to universal prenatal testing and comprehensive follow-up.