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Calvet GA, Kara EO, Bôtto-Menezes CHA, da Costa Castilho M, de Oliveira Franca RF, Habib N, Neto AM, Pereira GFM, Giozza SP, Bermúdez XPD, Fernandes TJ, Modjarrad K, Brasil P, Broutet NJN, de Filippis AMB. Detection and persistence of Zika virus in body fluids and associated factors: a prospective cohort study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21557. [PMID: 38057382 PMCID: PMC10700488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the detection and duration of the Zika virus (ZIKV) in plasma, urine, saliva, sweat, rectal swabs, vaginal secretions, breast milk, and semen and to explore risk factors associated with prolonged viral persistence. A prospective cohort study of symptomatic patients and their household contacts was conducted in Brazil from July 2017 to June 2019. A total of 260 individuals (184 women and 76 men) with confirmed ZIKV infection were enrolled and followed up for 12 months. ZIKV RNA was present in all body fluid specimens and detectable for extended periods in urine, sweat, rectal swabs, and semen. The longest detection duration was found in semen, with high viral loads in the specimens. ZIKV RNA clearance was associated with several factors, including age, sex, education level, body mass index, non-purulent conjunctivitis, joint pain, and whether the participant had a history of yellow fever vaccination. The influence of each of these factors on the low or fast viral clearance varied according to the specific body fluid under investigation. Recurrent ZIKV detection events after total viral clearance were observed in the cohort. Our findings provide valuable insights into the persistence and potential recurrence of ZIKV infection, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and follow-up of individuals infected with ZIKV and for effective prevention measures to reduce the risk of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Amaral Calvet
- Acute Febrile Illnesses Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Edna Oliveira Kara
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Camila Helena Aguiar Bôtto-Menezes
- Department of Malaria, Tropical Medicine Foundation Doctor Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- School of Health Sciences, Amazonas State University (UEA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Marcia da Costa Castilho
- Department of Malaria, Tropical Medicine Foundation Doctor Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | | | - Ndema Habib
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Armando Menezes Neto
- Department of Virology and Experimental Therapy, Institute Aggeu Magalhães, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Gerson Fernando Mendes Pereira
- Department of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (DATHI), Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Silvana Pereira Giozza
- Department of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Viral Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections (DATHI), Ministry of Health, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Tatiana Jorge Fernandes
- Acute Febrile Illnesses Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kayvon Modjarrad
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Patrícia Brasil
- Acute Febrile Illnesses Laboratory, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Maria Bispo de Filippis
- Flavivirus Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Francese R, Peila C, Donalisio M, Lamberti C, Cirrincione S, Colombi N, Tonetto P, Cavallarin L, Bertino E, Moro GE, Coscia A, Lembo D. Viruses and Human Milk: Transmission or Protection? Adv Nutr 2023; 14:1389-1415. [PMID: 37604306 PMCID: PMC10721544 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human milk (HM) is considered the best source of nutrition for infant growth and health. This nourishment is unique and changes constantly during lactation to adapt to the physiological needs of the developing infant. It is also recognized as a potential route of transmission of some viral pathogens although the presence of a virus in HM rarely leads to a disease in an infant. This intriguing paradox can be explained by considering the intrinsic antiviral properties of HM. In this comprehensive and schematically presented review, we have described what viruses have been detected in HM so far and what their potential transmission risk through breastfeeding is. We have provided a description of all the antiviral compounds of HM, along with an analysis of their demonstrated and hypothesized mechanisms of action. Finally, we have also analyzed the impact of HM pasteurization and storage methods on the detection and transmission of viruses, and on the antiviral compounds of HM. We have highlighted that there is currently a deep knowledge on the potential transmission of viral pathogens through breastfeeding and on the antiviral properties of HM. The current evidence suggests that, in most cases, it is unnecessarily to deprive an infant of this high-quality nourishment and that the continuation of breastfeeding is in the best interest of the infant and the mother.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Francese
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, University of Turin, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Chiara Peila
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Manuela Donalisio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, University of Turin, Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Cristina Lamberti
- Institute of the Science of Food Production - National Research Council, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Simona Cirrincione
- Institute of the Science of Food Production - National Research Council, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Colombi
- Biblioteca Federata di Medicina "Ferdinando Rossi", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Tonetto
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Cavallarin
- Institute of the Science of Food Production - National Research Council, Grugliasco, TO, Italy
| | - Enrico Bertino
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Guido E Moro
- Italian Association of Human Milk Banks (AIBLUD), Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Coscia
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - David Lembo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Antiviral Research, University of Turin, Orbassano (TO), Italy.
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3
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Trinh QD, Pham NTK, Takada K, Ushijima H, Komine-Aizawa S, Hayakawa S. Roles of TGF-β1 in Viral Infection during Pregnancy: Research Update and Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076489. [PMID: 37047462 PMCID: PMC10095195 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a pleiotropic growth factor playing various roles in the human body including cell growth and development. More functions of TGF-β1 have been discovered, especially its roles in viral infection. TGF-β1 is abundant at the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy and plays an important function in immune tolerance, an essential key factor for pregnancy success. It plays some critical roles in viral infection in pregnancy, such as its effects on the infection and replication of human cytomegalovirus in syncytiotrophoblasts. Interestingly, its role in the enhancement of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and replication in first-trimester trophoblasts has recently been reported. The above up-to-date findings have opened one of the promising approaches to studying the mechanisms of viral infection during pregnancy with links to corresponding congenital syndromes. In this article, we review our current and recent advances in understanding the roles of TGF-β1 in viral infection. Our discussion focuses on viral infection during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. We highlight the mutual roles of viral infection and TGF-β1 in specific contexts and possible functions of the Smad pathway in viral infection, with a special note on ZIKV infection. In addition, we discuss promising approaches to performing further studies on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quang Duy Trinh
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Ngan Thi Kim Pham
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Kazuhide Takada
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ushijima
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Shihoko Komine-Aizawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hayakawa
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
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Howard-Jones AR, Pham D, Sparks R, Maddocks S, Dwyer DE, Kok J, Basile K. Arthropod-Borne Flaviviruses in Pregnancy. Microorganisms 2023; 11:433. [PMID: 36838398 PMCID: PMC9959669 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Flaviviruses are a diverse group of enveloped RNA viruses that cause significant clinical manifestations in the pregnancy and postpartum periods. This review highlights the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and prevention of the key arthropod-borne flaviviruses of concern in pregnancy and the neonatal period-Zika, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile, and Yellow fever viruses. Increased disease severity during pregnancy, risk of congenital malformations, and manifestations of postnatal infection vary widely amongst this virus family and may be quite marked. Laboratory confirmation of infection is complex, especially due to the reliance on serology for which flavivirus cross-reactivity challenges diagnostic specificity. As such, a thorough clinical history including relevant geographic exposures and prior vaccinations is paramount for accurate diagnosis. Novel vaccines are eagerly anticipated to ameliorate the impact of these flaviviruses, particularly neuroinvasive disease manifestations and congenital infection, with consideration of vaccine safety in pregnant women and children pivotal. Moving forward, the geographical spread of flaviviruses, as for other zoonoses, will be heavily influenced by climate change due to the potential expansion of vector and reservoir host habitats. Ongoing 'One Health' engagement across the human-animal-environment interface is critical to detect and responding to emergent flavivirus epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annaleise R. Howard-Jones
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research—NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - David Pham
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research—NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Rebecca Sparks
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research—NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Susan Maddocks
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research—NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Dominic E. Dwyer
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research—NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology-Public Health, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jen Kok
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research—NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology-Public Health, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Kerri Basile
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Laboratory Services, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research—NSW Health Pathology, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
- Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
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Stein RA, Grayon A, Katz A, Chervenak FA. The Zika virus: an opportunity to revisit reproductive health needs and disparities. Germs 2022; 12:519-537. [PMID: 38021183 PMCID: PMC10660223 DOI: 10.18683/germs.2022.1357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
First isolated in 1947, the Zika virus was initially connected only to limited or sporadic human infections. In late 2015, the temporal clustering of a Zika outbreak and microcephaly in newborn babies from northeastern Brazil, and the identification of a causal link between the two, led to the characterization of the congenital Zika syndrome. In the wake of the epidemic, several countries from Latin America advised women to postpone pregnancies for periods ranging from six months to two years. These recommendations initiated critical conversations about the challenges of implementing them in societies with limited access to contraception, widespread socioeconomic inequalities, and high rates of unplanned and adolescent pregnancies. The messaging targeted exclusively women, despite a high prevalence of imbalances in the relationship power, and addressed all women as a group, failing to recognize that the decision to postpone pregnancies will impact different women in different ways, depending on their age at the time. Finally, in several countries affected by the Zika epidemic, due to restrictive reproductive policies, legally terminating a pregnancy is no longer an option even at the earliest time when brain malformations as part of the congenital Zika syndrome can be detected by ultrasonography. The virus continued to circulate after 2016 in several countries. Climate change models predict an expansion of the geographical area where local Zika transmission may occur, indicating that the interface between the virus, teratogenesis, and reproductive rights is a topic of considerable interest for medicine, social sciences, and public health for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Stein
- MD, PhD, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn 11201, NY, USA
| | - Alexis Grayon
- NYU Tandon School of Engineering, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn 11201, NY, USA
| | - Adi Katz
- MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, 110 E 77th Street, New York, NY, 10075, USA
| | - Frank A. Chervenak
- MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, 110 E 77th Street, New York, NY, 10075, USA
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Excretion of Cell-Free and Cell-Associated Zika Virus into Breast Milk of Infected Dams and Identification of Antiviral Factors. Viruses 2022; 14:v14050851. [PMID: 35632593 PMCID: PMC9144681 DOI: 10.3390/v14050851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus belonging to the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. During the 60 years following its discovery in 1947, ZIKV caused little concern for public health as the associated infection was reported as mostly asymptomatic or inducing mild symptoms. However, since 2013, severe neurological symptoms have been associated with ZIKV infection, compelling the World Health Organization to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Among those symptoms, neurological birth defects may affect children born to mothers infected during pregnancy. Additionally, during the past 8 years, ZIKV transmission through breastfeeding has repeatedly been suggested in epidemiological studies and demonstrated on a mouse model by our team. To better understand the biological factors controlling ZIKV transmission through breastfeeding, we investigated the nature of the viral entities excreted in the breast milk of infected dams and evaluated viral transmission to breastfed pups. We show that both cell-free and cell-associated virus is excreted into breast milk and that ZIKV is efficiently transmitted to the breastfed pups. Additionally, we studied murine breast milk cell types, and identified a majority of mammary luminal cells. Finally, we investigated the effect on ZIKV infectivity of several breast milk components that are antiviral against different viruses such as lactoferrin (LF) and lactalbumin (LA), or free fatty acids (FFA). We showed no effect of LF and LA, whereas FFA inactivated the virus. These results bring new insight concerning the mechanisms of ZIKV transmission during breastfeeding and identify biological factors modulating it. These elements should be considered in risk assessment of ZIKV mother-to-child transmission.
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Abstract
In this review, we highlight the risk to livestock and humans from infections with henipaviruses, which belong to the virus family Paramyxoviridae. We provide a comprehensive overview of documented outbreaks of Nipah and Hendra virus infections affecting livestock and humans and assess the burden on the economy and health systems. In an increasingly globalized and interconnected world, attention must be paid to emerging viruses and infectious diseases, as transmission routes can be rapid and worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Kummer
- Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Denise-Carina Kranz
- Center for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Desgraupes S, Hubert M, Gessain A, Ceccaldi PE, Vidy A. Mother-to-Child Transmission of Arboviruses during Breastfeeding: From Epidemiology to Cellular Mechanisms. Viruses 2021; 13:1312. [PMID: 34372518 PMCID: PMC8310101 DOI: 10.3390/v13071312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most viruses use several entry sites and modes of transmission to infect their host (parenteral, sexual, respiratory, oro-fecal, transplacental, transcutaneous, etc.). Some of them are known to be essentially transmitted via arthropod bites (mosquitoes, ticks, phlebotomes, sandflies, etc.), and are thus named arthropod-borne viruses, or arboviruses. During the last decades, several arboviruses have emerged or re-emerged in different countries in the form of notable outbreaks, resulting in a growing interest from scientific and medical communities as well as an increase in epidemiological studies. These studies have highlighted the existence of other modes of transmission. Among them, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) during breastfeeding was highlighted for the vaccine strain of yellow fever virus (YFV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), and suggested for other arboviruses such as Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue virus (DENV), and West Nile virus (WNV). In this review, we summarize all epidemiological and clinical clues that suggest the existence of breastfeeding as a neglected route for MTCT of arboviruses and we decipher some of the mechanisms that chronologically occur during MTCT via breastfeeding by focusing on ZIKV transmission process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Desgraupes
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Département Virologie, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France; (M.H.); (A.G.); (P.-E.C.)
- Université de Paris, 75013 Paris, France
- UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 3569, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Hubert
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Département Virologie, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France; (M.H.); (A.G.); (P.-E.C.)
- Université de Paris, 75013 Paris, France
- UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 3569, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Antoine Gessain
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Département Virologie, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France; (M.H.); (A.G.); (P.-E.C.)
- Université de Paris, 75013 Paris, France
- UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 3569, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Ceccaldi
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Département Virologie, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France; (M.H.); (A.G.); (P.-E.C.)
- Université de Paris, 75013 Paris, France
- UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 3569, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Aurore Vidy
- Unité Épidémiologie et Physiopathologie des Virus Oncogènes, Département Virologie, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France; (M.H.); (A.G.); (P.-E.C.)
- Université de Paris, 75013 Paris, France
- UMR Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 3569, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France
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Auriti C, De Rose DU, Santisi A, Martini L, Piersigilli F, Bersani I, Ronchetti MP, Caforio L. Pregnancy and viral infections: Mechanisms of fetal damage, diagnosis and prevention of neonatal adverse outcomes from cytomegalovirus to SARS-CoV-2 and Zika virus. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166198. [PMID: 34118406 PMCID: PMC8883330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Some maternal infections, contracted before or during pregnancy, can be transmitted to the fetus, during gestation (congenital infection), during labor and childbirth (perinatal infection) and through breastfeeding (postnatal infection). The agents responsible for these infections can be viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi. Among the viruses most frequently responsible for congenital infections are Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex 1–2, Herpes virus 6, Varicella zoster. Moreover Hepatitis B and C virus, HIV, Parvovirus B19 and non-polio Enteroviruses when contracted during pregnancy may involve the fetus or newborn at birth. Recently, new viruses have emerged, SARS-Cov-2 and Zika virus, of which we do not yet fully know the characteristics and pathogenic power when contracted during pregnancy. Viral infections in pregnancy can damage the fetus (spontaneous abortion, fetal death, intrauterine growth retardation) or the newborn (congenital anomalies, organ diseases with sequelae of different severity). Some risk factors specifically influence the incidence of transmission to the fetus: the timing of the infection in pregnancy, the order of the infection, primary or reinfection or chronic, the duration of membrane rupture, type of delivery, socio-economic conditions and breastfeeding. Frequently infected neonates, symptomatic at birth, have worse outcomes than asymptomatic. Many asymptomatic babies develop long term neurosensory outcomes. The way in which the virus interacts with the maternal immune system, the maternal-fetal interface and the placenta explain these results and also the differences that are observed from time to time in the fetal‑neonatal outcomes of maternal infections. The maternal immune system undergoes functional adaptation during pregnancy, once thought as physiological immunosuppression. This adaptation, crucial for generating a balance between maternal immunity and fetus, is necessary to promote and support the pregnancy itself and the growth of the fetus. When this adaptation is upset by the viral infection, the balance is broken, and the infection can spread and lead to the adverse outcomes previously described. In this review we will describe the main viral harmful infections in pregnancy and the potential mechanisms of the damages on the fetus and newborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Auriti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Domenico Umberto De Rose
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Santisi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ludovica Martini
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Fiammetta Piersigilli
- Department of Neonatology, St-Luc University Hospital, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Iliana Bersani
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Paola Ronchetti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Caforio
- Fetal and Perinatal Medicine and Surgery Unit, Medical and Surgical Department of Fetus, Newborn and Infant - "Bambino Gesù" Children's Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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