[Ultrastructural identification of human immunodeficiency virus in placenta, embryonic tissue and semen]

The objective of this paper was to evaluate, ultrastructurally the placental site, placenta, umbilical cord, embryonal tissues, and semen from 10 patients (5 females and 5 males), seropositive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The tissue samples were processed by the routine techniques for electronic microscopy, and were examined with a Zeiss EM-10C Electronic, transmission microscope. Among the decidual cells of the placental site, macrophages were found, which contained vacuoles with particles similar to a virus, inside. Similar to virus, particles were found among microvilli of syncytiotrophoblast; it presented with a thick basal membrane and with calcifications. Hyperplasia of Hofbauer cells was seen, although there were not viral particles inside. In the membrane of fetal erythrocytes there particles, electron dense, possibly from viral origin. Viral particles were identified in the nuclei of endothelial cells of the brain and lung. In the semen budding areas were seen in immature spermatozoon; and similar particles were seen y spermatozoa, probable desquamation cells, and in seminal protein, in free form. It is concluded that the HIV may be transmitted via transplacental in very early stages of gestation. The hyperplasia of Hofbauer cells can be a response of local defense. And finally, the presence of viral particles in the different components of semen favor its transmission by sexual contact.