Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Ex vivo Culture of Human Placental Explants for the Study of Viral Transmission Across the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: December 30, 2025
Herpes Gestationis after Ovodonation: Is Placenta the only Target of the Immune Reaction?
Isabella Piva1, Giuseppe Lo Monte1, Angela Graziano1
1Faculty, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara , Ferrara, Italy .
Abstract:
Herpes Gestationis (HG) is an autoimmune disorder that rarely complicates pregnancy. Its pathogenesis has not been clarified yet, as it derives from a complex interplay between immunologic, genetic, and hormonal factors. We present a case of HG occurring in a surrogate mother whose pregnancy was achieved via egg donation and in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The disease appeared at 26 weeks and 6 days of gestation and subsequently worsened despite the administration of oral and topic corticosteroids. A healthy baby was delivered at 35 weeks and 2 days of gestation by elective cesarean section and the clinical manifestations resolved in the postpartum period.
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