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Arossa A, Fiandrino G, Furione M. Prognostic markers of symptomatic congenital human cytomegalovirus infection in fetal blood. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024:S0002-9378(24)01040-8. [PMID: 39368649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.09.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
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Zavaglio F, d'Angelo P, Fornara C, Zelini P, Comolli G, Furione M, Arossa A, Spinillo A, Lilleri D, Baldanti F. Different Antigen-Specific CD4 + and CD8 + T-Cell Response against HCMV Proteins in Pregnant Women with Primary Infection and in Control Subjects with Remote Infection. J Clin Med 2024; 13:5448. [PMID: 39336935 PMCID: PMC11432261 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13185448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infections. The HCMV-specific T-cell response in primary infection may help define reliable correlates of immune protection in pregnancy. In this study, the antigen-specific T-cell response against different HCMV proteins (IE-1, pp65, gB, gHgLpUL128L) was investigated in pregnant women with primary infection and in control subjects with remote infection to identify possible components of a vaccine. Methods: Blood samples from 35 pregnant women with HCMV primary infection and 30 HCMV-seropositive healthy adult subjects with remote infection were tested. The antigen-specific T-cell response was measured using cytokine intracellular staining after stimulation with IE-1, pp65, gB and gHgLpUL128L peptides pool. Results: The pp65-specific CD4+ T-cell response was higher in pregnant women with HCMV primary infection at the late time point and in control subjects with remote infection, while the pregnant women at the early time point showed a higher gB-specific CD8+ T-cell response. Regarding the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell phenotypes, we observed that HCMV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD45RA+ remained constant in pregnant women with primary infection at the early and late time points and in subjects with remote infection, while HCMV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing IL-7R+ or producing IL-2 were higher in control subjects with remote infection than in pregnant women with HCMV primary infection. Conclusions: The T-cell response was higher against gB in the early phase of infection and against pp65 in the late phase. Therefore, these proteins should be taken into consideration as candidates for a vaccine.
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Arossa A, Meroni A, Scatigno A, Muscettola G, Cesari S, Furione M, Fiandrino G. Abstracts of the 34th World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 15-18 September 2024, Budapest, Hungary. ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF ULTRASOUND IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2024; 64 Suppl 1:25-26. [PMID: 39250001 DOI: 10.1002/uog.27787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
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Cardinali F, Panunzi C, D'Antonio F, Khalil A, Spinillo A, Arossa A, Familiari A, Pagani G, Resta S, Rizzo G. Role of Cerebroplacental Ratio in Predicting the Outcome of Pregnancies Complicated by Diabetes. Fetal Diagn Ther 2023; 51:55-65. [PMID: 37926070 DOI: 10.1159/000534483] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our objective was to evaluate the strength of association and diagnostic performance of cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in predicting the outcome of pregnancies complicated by pre- and gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched. Inclusion criteria were pregnancies complicated by gestational or pregestational diabetes undergoing ultrasound assessment of CPR. The primary outcome was a composite score of perinatal mortality and morbidity as defined by the original publication. The secondary outcomes included preterm birth gestational age (GA) at birth, mode of delivery, fetal growth restriction (FGR) or small for GA (SGA) newborn, neonatal birthweight, perinatal death (PND), Apgar score <7 at 5 min, abnormal acid-base status, neonatal hypoglycemia, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Furthermore, we aimed to perform a number of sub-group analyses according to the type of diabetes (gestational and pregestational), management adopted (diet insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents), metabolic control (controlled vs. non-controlled diabetes), and fetal weight (FGR, normally grown, and large for GA fetuses). Head-to-head meta-analyses were used to directly compare the risk of each of the explored outcomes. For those outcomes found to be significant, computation of diagnostic performance of CPR was assessed using bivariate model. RESULTS Six studies (2,743 pregnancies) were included. The association between low CPR and adverse composite perinatal outcome was not statistically significant (p = 0.096). This result did not change when stratifying the analysis using CPR cut-off below 10th (p = 0.079) and 5th (p = 0.545) centiles. In pregnancies complicated by GDM, fetuses with a low CPR had a significantly higher risk of birthweight <10th percentile (OR: 5.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98-17.12) and this association remains significant when using a CPR <10th centile (p < 0.001). Fetuses with low CPR had also a significantly higher risk of PND (OR: 6.15, 95% CI 1.01-37.23, p < 0.001) and admission to NICU (OR 3.32, 95% CI 2.21-4.49, p < 0.001), but not of respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.752), Apgar score <7 at 5 min (p = 0.920), abnormal acid-base status (p = 0.522), or neonatal hypoglycemia (p = 0.005). These results were confirmed when stratifying the analysis including only studies with CPR <10th centile as a cut-off to define abnormal CPR. However, CPR showed a low diagnostic accuracy for detecting perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSION CPR is associated but not predictive of adverse perinatal outcome in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes. The findings from this systematic review do not support the use of CPR as a universal screening for pregnancy complication in women with diabetes.
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Zammarchi L, Tomasoni LR, Liuzzi G, Simonazzi G, Dionisi C, Mazzarelli LL, Seidenari A, Maruotti GM, Ornaghi S, Castelli F, Abbate I, Bordi L, Mazzotta S, Fusco P, Torti C, Calò Carducci FI, Baccini M, Modi G, Galli L, Lilleri D, Furione M, Zavattoni M, Ricciardi A, Arossa A, Vimercati A, Lovatti S, Salomè S, Raimondi F, Sarno L, Sforza A, Fichera A, Caforio L, Trotta M, Lazzarotto T. Treatment with valacyclovir during pregnancy for prevention of congenital cytomegalovirus infection: a real-life multicenter Italian observational study. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:101101. [PMID: 37516151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Valacyclovir is the only treatment demonstrated to be effective for the prevention of vertical transmission of cytomegalovirus within a clinical randomized, placebo-controlled trial and has been reimbursed by the Italian National Health System since December 2020. OBJECTIVE This study reported the results of a real-life Italian multicenter observational study on cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy evaluating the effect of the introduction of valacyclovir in the clinical practice for the prevention of vertical transmission of cytomegalovirus. STUDY DESIGN The outcomes of women who received valacyclovir treatment and their fetuses or newborns were compared with those of a retrospective cohort observed between 2010 and 2020 who did not receive the antiviral treatment. The inclusion criterion was the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus primary infection occurring in the periconceptional period or up to 24 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was the transmission by the time of amniocentesis. The secondary outcomes were termination of pregnancy, transmission at birth, symptomatic infection at birth, and a composite outcome (termination of pregnancy or transmission at birth). RESULTS A total of 447 pregnant women from 10 centers were enrolled, 205 women treated with valacyclovir (called the valacyclovir group, including 1 twin pregnancy) and 242 women not treated with valacyclovir (called the no-valacyclovir group, including 2 twin pregnancies). Valacyclovir treatment was significantly associated with a reduction of the diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection by the time of amniocentesis (weighted odds ratio, 0.39; 90% confidence interval, 0.22-0.68; P=.005; relative reduction of 61%), termination of pregnancy (weighted odds ratio, 0.36; 90% confidence interval, 0.17-0.75; P=.0021; relative reduction of 64%), symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection at birth (weighted odds ratio, 0.17; 90% confidence interval, 0.06-0.49; P=.006; relative reduction of 83%). The treatment had no significant effect on the rate of diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection at birth (weighted odds ratio, 0.85; 90% confidence interval, 0.57-1.26; P=.500), but the composite outcome (termination of pregnancy or diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection at birth) occurred more frequently in the no-valacyclovir group (weighted odds ratio, 0.62; 90% confidence interval, 0.44-0.88; P=.024). Of note, the only symptomatic newborns with congenital cytomegalovirus infection in the valacyclovir group (n=3) were among those with positive amniocentesis. Moreover, 19 women (9.3%) reported an adverse reaction to valacyclovir treatment, classified as mild in 17 cases and moderate in 2 cases. Lastly, 4 women (1.9%) presented renal toxicity with a slight increase in creatinine level, which was reversible after treatment suspension. CONCLUSION Our real-life data confirm that valacyclovir significantly reduces the rate of congenital cytomegalovirus diagnosis at the time of amniocentesis with a good tolerability profile and show that the treatment is associated with a reduction of termination of pregnancy and symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection at birth.
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d'Angelo P, Zelini P, Zavaglio F, Piccini S, Cirasola D, Arossa A, Spinillo A, Lilleri D, Baldanti F. Correlates of postnatal human cytomegalovirus transmission in term babies in the first year. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29105. [PMID: 37728300 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29105] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Postnatal human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in newborns is well characterized for preterm infants but less so for term infants. We sought to analyze the rates and routes of HCMV transmission in full-term infants during the first year of life. A cohort of 120 HCMV seropositive mothers and their 122 newborns were tested after delivery for HCMV-DNA shedding in different bodily fluids. Postnatal HCMV infection was defined as the detection of >2.5 × 102 HCMV-DNA copies/mL in infants' saliva swabs. Maternal neutralizing antibody serum titer, HCMV-specific T-cell response, and HCMV glycoprotein B immunoglobulin G on breastmilk were analyzed. HCMV shedding was detected in 67 of 120 mothers (55.8%), and 20 of 122 infants (16.4%) developed HCMV infection within the first 3 months of life. Six additional infants were infected during the first year, for a postnatal infection rate of 21.3%. Viral shedding was more frequent in breastmilk than saliva, urine, and vaginal secretions, and the mothers of infected infants showed higher levels of HCMV-DNA in milk. No association was found between the antibody levels in serum or milk and maternal viral shedding, whereas a slightly lower frequency of HCMV-specific CD4+ T-cells with long-term memory phenotype was observed in women with HCM-DNA-positive milk. About one out of five infants develop HCMV infection within the first year of life. Breastmilk appears the major route of transmission of the infection, maternal saliva has a minor role whereas the role of vaginal secretions is negligible.
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Meroni A, Kalantari S, Arossa A, Spinillo A, Melito C, Scatigno AL, Cesari S, Giorgio E, Furione M, Homfray T, Sirchia F. De novo RANBP2 variant in a fetal demise case with cerebral intraparenchymal hemorrhage. Am J Med Genet A 2023. [PMID: 37102432 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Fetal intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) may result from a wide array of causes, either associated with maternal or fetal risk factors. In the last decade, monogenic causes of susceptibility to fetal ICH have been described, in particular in association with COL4A1 and COL4A2 genes. A peculiar form of ICH is acute necrotizing encephalitis (ANE), which is characterized by a rapid-onset severe encephalopathy following an abnormal inflammatory response to an otherwise banal infection. It usually affects healthy children and it is thought to be multifactorial, with a genetic predisposition. RANBP2 gene has been extensively associated with ANE susceptibility. We hereby present a unique case of a 42-year-old secundigravida with intrauterine fetal demise at 35 weeks of gestation. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing performed on both parents and fetal DNA showed a de novo likely pathogenic variant in the RANBP2 gene on 2q13. At the fetal autopsy, subtentorial hematoma and cerebral intraparenchymal hemorrhage were present. We speculate that this might be a new phenotypic presentation of RANBP2-associated disease. However, more similar fetal cases need to be reported in order to reinforce this hypothesis.
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Tzialla C, Arossa A, Mannarino S, Orcesi S, Veggiotti P, Fiandrino G, Zuffardi O, Errichiello E. SCN2A and arrhythmia: A potential correlation? A case report and literature review. Eur J Med Genet 2022; 65:104639. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Fiandrino G, Arossa A, Ghirardello S, Kalantari S, Rossi C, Bonasoni MP, Cesari S, Rizzuti T, Giorgio E, Bassanese F, Scatigno AL, Meroni A, Melito C, Feltri M, Longo S, Figar TA, Andorno A, Gelli MC, Bertozzi M, Spinillo A, Riccipetitoni G, Valente EM, Paulli M, Sirchia F. SIMPSON-GOLABI-BEHMEL syndrome type 1: How placental immunohistochemistry can rapidly Predict the diagnosis. Placenta 2022; 126:119-124. [DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Zelini P, Perotti F, Scatigno AL, Dominoni M, Zavaglio F, Arossa A, Piccini S, Angelini M, Ghirardello S, Lilleri D, Baldanti F, Spinillo A. Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and persistence of antibody response. THE NEW MICROBIOLOGICA 2022; 45:181-189. [PMID: 35920872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women may be at an increased risk of developing severe or critical disease associated with the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causing severities during pregnancy. We performed a prospective study to describe the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy outcomes and on the newborn, depending on the severity of the disease. The antibody response and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-Spike (S) IgG, IgA and anti-Nu- cleocapsid (NCP) IgG, was investigated. METHODS A total of 48 pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled, and sequential serum samples from 30 of them were collected until one year after infection. Outcomes of pregnan- cy and newborn parameters were evaluated in comparison with 200 uninfected controls. RESULTS Asymptomatic infection was observed in 31/48 women (64.5%), mild COVID-19 in 12/48 women (25.0%), while 5/48 women (10.5%) developed pneumonia. Women with pneumonia mount- ed significantly higher levels of anti-S IgG, IgA and anti-NCP IgG between 1 and 3 months after onset of infection compared to asymptomatic women. Anti-S IgG persisted in the majority of women from 6 months to at least one year after infection, especially in those with symptomatic infection and pneumonia, while anti-S IgA and anti-NCP IgG declined earlier. Pregnancy complications and new- born parameters were not significantly different from those observed in uninfected controls. CONCLUSION Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody development and persistence was not impaired in pregnant women, while SARS-CoV-2 infection did not cause major pregnancy or newborn complications in asymptomatic or symptomatic women, nor in women with pneumonia receiving prompt clinical care.
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Lilleri D, Tassis B, Pugni L, Ronchi A, Pietrasanta C, Spinillo A, Arossa A, Achille C, Vergani P, Ornaghi S, Riboni S, Cavoretto P, Candiani M, Gaeta G, Prefumo F, Fratelli N, Fichera A, Vignali M, Barbasetti Di Prun A, Fabbri E, Cetin I, Locatelli A, Consonni S, Rutolo S, Miotto E, Savasi V, Di Giminiani M, Cromi A, Binda S, Fiorina L, Furione M, Cassinelli G, Klersy C. Prevalence, Outcome, and Prevention of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates Born to Women With Preconception Immunity (CHILd Study). Clin Infect Dis 2022; 76:513-520. [PMID: 35717635 PMCID: PMC9907511 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading infectious cause of congenital disabilities. We designed a prospective study to investigate the rate, outcome, and risk factors of congenital CMV (cCMV) infection in neonates born to immune women, and the potential need and effectiveness of hygiene recommendations in this population. METHODS The study was composed of 2 sequential parts: an epidemiology (part 1) and a prevention (part 2) study. Performance of part 2 depended upon a cCMV rate >0.4%. Women enrolled in part 1 did not receive hygiene recommendations. Newborns were screened by HCMV DNA testing in saliva and cCMV was confirmed by urine testing. RESULTS Saliva swabs were positive for HCMV DNA in 45/9661 newborns and cCMV was confirmed in 18 cases. The rate of cCMV was .19% (95% confidence interval [CI]: .11-.29%), and 3 out of 18 infants with cCMV had symptoms of CMV at birth. Age, nationality, occupation, and contact with children were similar between mothers of infected and noninfected newborns. Twin pregnancy (odds ratio [OR]: 7.2; 95% CI: 1.7-32.2; P = .037) and maternal medical conditions (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.5-10.1; P = .003) appeared associated with cCMV. Given the rate of cCMV was lower than expected, the prevention part of the study was cancelled. CONCLUSIONS Newborns from women with preconception immunity have a low rate of cCMV, which appears to be mostly due to reactivation of the latent virus. Therefore, serological screening in childbearing age would be pivotal to identify HCMV-seropositive women, whose newborns have a low risk of cCMV. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03973359).
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Vorontsov O, Levitt L, Lilleri D, Vainer GW, Kaplan O, Schreiber L, Arossa A, Spinillo A, Furione M, Alfi O, Oiknine-Djian E, Kupervaser M, Nevo Y, Elgavish S, Yassour M, Zavattoni M, Bdolah-Abram T, Baldanti F, Geal-Dor M, Zakay-Rones Z, Yanay N, Yagel S, Panet A, Wolf DG. Amniotic fluid biomarkers predict the severity of congenital cytomegalovirus infection. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:157415. [PMID: 35439172 PMCID: PMC9151692 DOI: 10.1172/jci157415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDCytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common intrauterine infection, leading to infant brain damage. Prognostic assessment of CMV-infected fetuses has remained an ongoing challenge in prenatal care, in the absence of established prenatal biomarkers of congenital CMV (cCMV) infection severity. We aimed to identify prognostic biomarkers of cCMV-related fetal brain injury.METHODSWe performed global proteome analysis of mid-gestation amniotic fluid samples, comparing amniotic fluid of fetuses with severe cCMV with that of asymptomatic CMV-infected fetuses. The levels of selected differentially excreted proteins were further determined by specific immunoassays.RESULTSUsing unbiased proteome analysis in a discovery cohort, we identified amniotic fluid proteins related to inflammation and neurological disease pathways, which demonstrated distinct abundance in fetuses with severe cCMV. Amniotic fluid levels of 2 of these proteins - the immunomodulatory proteins retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (chemerin) and galectin-3-binding protein (Gal-3BP) - were highly predictive of the severity of cCMV in an independent validation cohort, differentiating between fetuses with severe (n = 17) and asymptomatic (n = 26) cCMV, with 100%-93.8% positive predictive value, and 92.9%-92.6% negative predictive value (for chemerin and Gal-3BP, respectively). CONCLUSIONAnalysis of chemerin and Gal-3BP levels in mid-gestation amniotic fluids could be used in the clinical setting to profoundly improve the prognostic assessment of CMV-infected fetuses.FUNDINGIsrael Science Foundation (530/18 and IPMP 3432/19); Research Fund - Hadassah Medical Organization.
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Zelini P, Piera d'Angelo, De Cicco M, Achille C, Sarasini A, Fiorina L, Cirasola D, Marazzi V, Piccini S, Furione M, Arossa A, Muscettola G, Spinillo A, Lilleri D. Human cytomegalovirus non-primary infection during pregnancy: antibody response, risk factors and newborn outcome. Clin Microbiol Infect 2021; 28:1375-1381. [PMID: 34555536 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) non-primary infections can occur in pregnant women and may result in congenital infection. Comprehensive studies investigating the frequency, characteristics, risk factors and immune response of non-primary infection in pregnancy are missing, while rate of vertical transmission is not known. METHODS HCMV non-primary infection was investigated prospectively in 250 pregnant women. Blood and urine samples as well as saliva and vaginal swabs were collected at 13, 21 and 31 weeks of gestation and at delivery. HCMV-DNA and specific IgG and IgM levels were determined. RESULTS Overall, 105/250 pregnant women (42.0%) developed non-primary infection. HCMV-DNA was detected more frequently in the vaginal secretions (84/250 of the women, 33.6%) than in the urine (35/250, 14.0%), in the saliva (26/250, 10.4%), and in the blood (7/250, 3.0%). The rate of HCMV non-primary infection increased significantly with the progression of pregnancy (from 12.9% in the first trimesters of gestation to 21.9% at delivery, p<0.01). IgM was detected in 25/250 of the women (10.0%), with no association with non-primary infection, while anti-gB IgG was significantly higher (p<0.01) in women with non-primary infection. Age and close contact with children were not associated with non-primary infection. No woman with non-primary infection transmitted the infection to the fetus (95% confidence interval of transmission rate: 0-3.5%). CONCLUSION Although HCMV non-primary infection is frequent during pregnancy, the rate of congenital infection as a consequence of non-primary infection is likely to be ≤3.5%.
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Fiandrino G, Arossa A, Cesari S, Cavagnoli C, D'Ambrosio G, Gardella B, Spinillo A. Placental histology as an adjunct diagnostic aid for maternal inherited hemoglobin disorders. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2021; 35:7511-7512. [PMID: 34376098 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2021.1951209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Zelini P, Dominoni M, Lilleri D, Gardella B, Arossa A, Perotti F, Arrigo A, Spinillo A. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is not associated with miscarriage in early pregnancy: a retrospective analysis. THE NEW MICROBIOLOGICA 2021; 44:177-180. [PMID: 34694414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy is relatively unknown. In this study we report the potential impact of undiagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy loss in the first half of pregnancy by comparing the prevalence of the infection in a retrospective group of pregnant women with miscarriage (n=62) and a prospective control group with no pregnancy loss in the first trimester (n=218). Of 62 women who had miscarriage, 2 (3.2%) resulted IgM for SARS-CoV-2 negative and IgG seropositive, while of 218 pregnant women, 5 (2.3 %) resulted IgM for negative and IgG seropositive. The SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was not significantly different in the two groups of women, therefore excluding a significant role of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy loss. Therefore, our data show that SARS-CoV-2 infection within the first trimester does not seem to predispose to early pregnancy loss and that the impact of asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnancy appears limited.
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Bonometti A, Lobascio G, Boveri E, Cesari S, Lecca M, Arossa A, Spinillo A, Errichiello E, Paulli M. Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia with a novel GATA1 mutation in a second trimester stillborn fetus with trisomy 21. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 62:2276-2279. [PMID: 33783296 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1907377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Sarasini A, Arossa A, Zavattoni M, Fornara C, Lilleri D, Spinillo A, Baldanti F, Furione M. Pitfalls in the Serological Diagnosis of Primary Human Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnancy Due to Different Kinetics of IgM Clearance and IgG Avidity Index Maturation. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030396. [PMID: 33652709 PMCID: PMC7996894 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary infection occurs when seronegative women are infected by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Diagnosis of primary infection is based on the following: antibody seroconversion, presence of IgM and low IgG avidity index (AI), and presence of DNAemia. The kinetics of HCMV-specific IgM antibody and maturation of AI might be very rapid or long-lasting during primary infection, which makes serological diagnosis insidious. The aims of this study were as follows: (i) to report atypical kinetics of HCMV-specific IgM antibody and AI early after onset of primary HCMV infection in a population of pregnant women, and (ii) to assess the frequency of such results. Altogether, 1309 sequential serum samples collected from 465 pregnant women with primary HCMV infection were included in the study. As a general rule, using the LIAISON®CMVIgMII and LIAISON®CMVIgGAvidityII assays, virus-specific IgM antibody levels decreased, while IgG AI increased over time during the first three months after infection onset. However, early clearance of IgM antibody and/or early IgG AI maturation occurred in 46/426 (10.7%) women. In more details, 20/426 (4.7%) and 26/418 (6.2%) women had undetectable IgM antibody or high IgG AI, respectively, when tested within 1-3 months after well-defined infection onset. Twenty sera from as many women with high IgG AI by the LIAISON assay were further tested for IgG AI by VIDAS®CMVIgGAvidityII and Mikrogen recomLineCMVIgG Avidity assays. Comparable results were obtained with VIDAS, whereas 14/20 sera gave low AI with the Mikrogen assay. In conclusion, about 11% of pregnant women undergoing a primary HCMV infection showed misleading serological results. Additional and appropriate testing might help in reducing the risk of missing HCMV primary infection in pregnancy. Furthermore, preconceptional testing should be strongly recommended.
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Errichiello E, Arossa A, Iasci A, Villa R, Ischia B, Pavesi MA, Rizzuti T, Bedeschi MF, Zuffardi O. An additional piece in the TBX6 gene dosage model: A novel nonsense variant in a fetus with severe spondylocostal dysostosis. Clin Genet 2020; 98:628-629. [PMID: 33058178 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Fornara C, Furione M, Zavaglio F, Arossa A, Spinillo A, Gerna G, Lilleri D. Slow cytomegalovirus-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell differentiation: 10-year follow-up of primary infection in a small number of immunocompetent hosts. Eur J Immunol 2020; 51:253-256. [PMID: 32860628 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation of human cytomegalovirus specific T cells is a slow process requiring years. In the acute phase, EM predominate; subsequently, no contraction occurs (memory inflation) and TEMRA increase, especially among CD8+ T cells, while few LTM T cells appear. After some years, LTM stabilizes and predominate among CD4+ .
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Cavoretto PI, Fornara C, Baldoli C, Arossa A, Furione M, Candiani M, Rovere Querini P, Barera G, Poloniato A, Gaeta G, Spinillo A, Lilleri D. Prenatal Management of Congenital Human Cytomegalovirus Infection in Seropositive Pregnant Patients Treated with Azathioprine. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10080542. [PMID: 32751758 PMCID: PMC7459678 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10080542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading infectious agent causing congenital disabilities. The risk of HCMV transmission to the fetus in pregnant women receiving immunosuppressive agents is unknown. We describe two cases of pregnant women with evidence of pre-conception HCMV protective immunity receiving azathioprine for ulcerative colitis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Both women reactivated the HCMV and transmitted the infection to the fetuses. One newborn showed unilateral hearing deficits and brain abnormalities while the other was asymptomatic. The mother of the symptomatic newborn had low levels of total and HCMV-specific blood CD4+ T cells. Women receiving immunosuppressive agents deserve information about the risk of HCMV congenital infection and should be monitored for HCMV infection during pregnancy. Their newborns should be screened for HCMV congenital infection.
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Suárez NM, Wilkie GS, Hage E, Camiolo S, Holton M, Hughes J, Maabar M, Vattipally SB, Dhingra A, Gompels UA, Wilkinson GWG, Baldanti F, Furione M, Lilleri D, Arossa A, Ganzenmueller T, Gerna G, Hubáček P, Schulz TF, Wolf D, Zavattoni M, Davison AJ. Human Cytomegalovirus Genomes Sequenced Directly From Clinical Material: Variation, Multiple-Strain Infection, Recombination, and Gene Loss. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:781-791. [PMID: 31050742 PMCID: PMC6667795 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The genomic characteristics of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strains sequenced directly from clinical pathology samples were investigated, focusing on variation, multiple-strain infection, recombination, and gene loss. A total of 207 datasets generated in this and previous studies using target enrichment and high-throughput sequencing were analyzed, in the process enabling the determination of genome sequences for 91 strains. Key findings were that (i) it is important to monitor the quality of sequencing libraries in investigating variation; (ii) many recombinant strains have been transmitted during HCMV evolution, and some have apparently survived for thousands of years without further recombination; (iii) mutants with nonfunctional genes (pseudogenes) have been circulating and recombining for long periods and can cause congenital infection and resulting clinical sequelae; and (iv) intrahost variation in single-strain infections is much less than that in multiple-strain infections. Future population-based studies are likely to continue illuminating the evolution, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of HCMV.
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Zelini P, Fornara C, Furione M, Sarasini A, Klemens J, Arossa A, Spinillo A, Gerna G, Lilleri D. Determination of anti-p52 IgM and anti-gB IgG by ELISA as a novel diagnostic tool for detection of early and late phase of primary human cytomegalovirus infections during pregnancy. J Clin Virol 2019; 120:38-43. [PMID: 31546089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dating of primary human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in pregnancy is crucial to define whether infection occurred before or during pregnancy and at which gestational age. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify a diagnostic strategy for determination of early, intermediate and late phase of HCMV primary infection during pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN Sequential serum samples from 40 pregnant women with defined onset of HCMV primary infection were tested retrospectively for IgM, IgG and IgG avidity against whole HCMV lysate, along with anti-p52 IgM and anti-gB IgG (Euroimmun AG). RESULTS Anti-HCMV IgM were positive in all samples collected within the first 2 months, then decreased remaining weakly positive in about 40% of samples collected within 6-12 months after infection. Anti-p52 IgM followed similar kinetics but decreased earlier, remaining weakly positive only in 20% of late samples. Anti-HCMV IgG were positive in all samples and showed variable kinetics. Their avidity increased from low levels, observed within 2 months, to intermediate/high levels from 4 months onwards. Anti-gB IgG increased over time following kinetics similar to anti-HCMV IgG avidity. By combining results of anti-HCMV IgM plus IgG avidity, and confirming them with anti-p52 IgM plus anti-gB IgG as second-line assays, the early (within 2-3 months) and late (after 3 months) phases of HCMV infection were satisfactorily defined, whereas the intermediate phase overlapped with the beginning of the late phase. CONCLUSION Anti-p52 IgM and anti-gB IgG provide additional tools besides classical anti-HCMV IgM, IgG and IgG avidity in dating HCMV primary infections.
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Rovida F, Campanini G, Percivalle E, Zavattoni M, Sarasini A, Arossa A, Clerici P, Grossi PA, Bonfanti P, Baldanti F. Zika virus infections in travellers and contacts in Lombardy, Northern Italy 2016. J Clin Virol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2016.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Fattuoni C, Palmas F, Noto A, Barberini L, Mussap M, Grapov D, Dessì A, Casu M, Casanova A, Furione M, Arossa A, Spinillo A, Baldanti F, Fanos V, Zavattoni M. Primary HCMV infection in pregnancy from classic data towards metabolomics: An exploratory analysis. Clin Chim Acta 2016; 460:23-32. [PMID: 27288986 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is one of the most frequent risk of viral infections during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic profile in amniotic fluid (AF) samples obtained from HCMV-infected, and uninfected fetuses in order to elucidate changes in metabolic pathways during congenital HCMV infection and to recognize new potential diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 63 pregnant women: 20 contracted primary HCMV infection during pregnancy and, subsequently, transmitted the virus to the fetus (transmitters); 20 contracted the infection without transmitting the virus to the fetus (non-transmitters); 23 who underwent amniocentesis for cytogenetic-based diagnosis were considered controls. Metabolomics analysis was performed by using the hyphenated technique Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) followed by a multivariate statistical approach. Four PLS-DA models were generated: controls vs. transmitters; controls vs. non-transmitters; transmitters vs. non-transmitters; and asymptomatic infected vs. symptomatic infected newborns. Subsequently, these models were exploited for network mapping. RESULTS Compared with controls, HCMV transmitters showed significantly increased levels in glutamine, glycine, serine, pyruvic acid, threonine, threonic acid, and cystine; conversely, unknown U1715 and U1804, glutamic acid, U1437, fructose, sugar-like A203003 and A203005, and tyrosine levels were found decreased. In non-transmitters, glutamine, serine, glycine, threonic acid, threonine, 1-monostearin, urea, and cystine were found increased, while sorbitol, unknown U1804, sugar-like A203003, U1751, xylitol, leucine and fructose were decreased. The comparison between transmitters and non-transmitters did not produce a statistically significant model. Unlike controls' profile, a common feature of HCMV infected subjects (transmitters and non-transmitters) was the activation of glutamine-glutamate and pyrimidine metabolic pathways. In addition, a clusterization for asymptomatic vs. symptomatic outcome was also observed due to alteration of fatty acids biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS Metabolomics approach could highlight the significant modification of maternal and placental status during HCMV infection for both transmitter and non-transmitter subjects. A further separation was observed for asymptomatic vs. symptomatic HCMV congenital infections model. Therefore, metabolomics may be a promising tool to improve the accuracy of an early diagnosis, and the management of HCMV pregnancy-related infections.
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Fornara C, Furione M, Arossa A, Gerna G, Lilleri D. Comparative magnitude and kinetics of human cytomegalovirus-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in pregnant women with primary versus remote infection and in transmitting versus non-transmitting mothers: Its utility for dating primary infection in pre. J Med Virol 2016; 88:1238-46. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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