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Ex vivo Culture of Human Placental Explants for the Study of Viral Transmission Across the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: December 30, 2025
Viral infections in pregnancy
1Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, Lyndon Baines Johnson General Hospital, 5656 Kelley Street, Houston, TX 77026, USA.
Minerva Ginecologica
|May 17, 2007
Summary
Viral infections during pregnancy can harm unborn fetuses, causing abnormalities or neonatal disease. Key viral families like herpesviruses and parvovirus B19 pose significant risks, necessitating awareness and management.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Viral infections are a significant complication during pregnancy.
- Certain viruses can profoundly impact fetal development and neonatal health.
- Understanding viral transmission and effects is crucial for obstetric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of viral infections on pregnancy outcomes.
- To highlight the risks associated with specific viral families, including herpesviruses and parvovirus B19.
- To discuss the implications of vertical transmission for fetal and neonatal health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of viral infections in pregnancy.
- Analysis of viral structures and transmission routes.
- Examination of clinical outcomes associated with intrauterine infections.
Main Results:
- Herpesviruses (e.g., CMV) can cause structural fetal abnormalities due to latency and reactivation.
- Human parvovirus B19 infection can lead to fetal hydrops and stillbirth.
- Hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E) can be vertically transmitted, with Hepatitis B and C causing long-term sequelae.
Conclusions:
- Viral infections pose diverse risks to the fetus and newborn.
- Timely diagnosis and management of maternal viral infections are essential.
- Further research into prevention and treatment strategies is warranted.
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