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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
Parvovirus B19 during pregnancy: a review
Elsa Giorgio1, Maria Antonietta De Oronzo, Irene Iozza
1Policlinico Universitario "G. Martino", Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Messina, Italy.
Abstract:
Several infections in adults warrant special consideration in pregnant women given the potential fetal consequences. Among these is parvovirus B19 deserves special attention since the harmful effects on the pregnant woman and fetus. It can then cause fetal anemia, non-immune fetal hydrops and fetal death. Among cases with fetal demise, B19 is foundin significant numbers, especially in the second andthird trimesters of pregnancy. There is no specific treatment or prophylaxis available against B19 infection, but counseling of non-immune mothers and active monitoring of confirmed maternal infections with intervention to correct fetal anemia is likely to decrease mortality.
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The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...

