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Human Placental and Decidual Organ Cultures to Study Infections at the Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: July 21, 2016
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Intracellular Organisms as Placental Invaders
Marguerite B Vigliani1, Anna I Bakardjiev2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.
Fetal and Maternal Medicine Review
|October 4, 2016
Summary
This study proposes a new model for placental infection, suggesting maternal immune cells transport pathogens like Listeria and Salmonella to the placenta. This highlights potential risks from intracellular organisms beyond typical TORCH infections.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- The human placenta can be infected via the hematogenous route.
- Familiar placental pathogens include Listeria monocytogenes and Cytomegalovirus.
- Less common pathogens like Salmonella typhi have also been implicated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel model for hematogenous placental infection.
- To identify diverse placental pathogens, including intracellular organisms.
- To raise awareness among OB/GYN clinicians about less common causes of placental infection.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on placental pathogens and infection routes.
- Analysis of pathogen characteristics, focusing on intracellular survival.
- Development of a conceptual model for pathogen transport to the placenta.
Main Results:
- A list of diverse placental pathogens was compiled, including Listeria monocytogenes, Cytomegalovirus, and Salmonella typhi.
- All listed pathogens are obligate or facultative intracellular organisms.
- A model is proposed where maternal leukocytes transport pathogens to the decidua.
Conclusions:
- Maternal leukocytes may transport blood-borne pathogens to the placenta.
- Intracellular pathogens can infect extravillous trophoblasts and spread within the placenta.
- Clinicians should consider a broader range of pathogens, not just TORCH infections, in placental infections.
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