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Human cytomegalovirus infection and abortion: an immunohistochemical study
Liliana Cruz Spano1, Fausto Edmundo Lima Pereira, Nádia Gomes da Silva Basso
1Departamento de Patologia e Núcleo de Doen as Infecciosas. CBM-UFES. Vitória, ES, Brazil. lspano.vix@terra.com.br
Background:
Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been described in abortion tissues, but seldom associated with inclusion bodies. However, the possible pathogenic role of this virus in abortion is under discussion. We attempted to verify the relationship between HCMV antigens in tissues from first trimester abortions presenting with inflammatory lesions.
Material/Methods:
Sixteen cases of first trimester abortions with inflammatory lesions were selected from 340 cases studied at the Pathology Unit of the University Hospital in Vit ria, Esp rito Santo State, Brazil. Paraffin-embedded sections were subjected to indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) and immunoperoxidase (PAP), using monoclonal antibodies directed against immediate early (IEA) and late antigens (LA) of HCMV.
Results:
Twelve out of sixteen cases (75%) presented at least one HCMV antigen. Eight cases presented both antigens, three cases only the IEA and one case only the LA. These antigens were present in decidual cells, in stromal cells of chorionic villi and in trophoblastic cells.
Conclusions:
The results showed high frequency of HCMV antigens in tissues from first trimester abortion. This frequency, higher than that previously reported, was probably due to the fact that necro-inflammatory lesions were always present in selected cases. The presence of LA in trophoblastic cells is evidence for cell permissiveness to viral replication in vivo. The results showing high presence of HCMV antigens in tissues from abortion with inflammatory lesions suggest a possible relationship of HCMV infection with inflammation and pregnancy loss.