Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
07:04
Human Placental and Decidual Organ Cultures to Study Infections at the Maternal-fetal Interface
Published on: July 21, 2016
21.5K
Key Infections in the Placenta.
Maria Laura Costa1, Guilherme de Moraes Nobrega1, Arthur Antolini-Tavares2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Campinas, Rua Alexander Fleming 101, Campinas, São Paulo 13084-881, Brazil.
Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America
|February 4, 2020
Summary
Congenital infections pose significant global health risks, particularly in low-income regions. This review examines TORCH pathogens and Zika virus, detailing infection routes and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Congenital infections are a major cause of infant illness and death globally.
- Low-income settings face a disproportionately high burden of these infections.
- Understanding transmission routes and outcomes is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the primary infection pathways of congenital infections.
- To discuss the adverse maternal and fetal outcomes associated with these infections.
- To provide an overview of TORCH pathogens and Zika virus in congenital infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of congenital infections.
- Analysis of TORCH pathogens and Zika virus.
- Examination of maternal and fetal health impacts.
Main Results:
- Congenital infections result from various pathogens, including TORCH agents and Zika virus.
- Infections can lead to severe adverse outcomes for both mothers and fetuses.
- Specific pathogens like Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses are key concerns.
Conclusions:
- Congenital infections represent a critical global health challenge.
- Effective management requires understanding pathogen-specific transmission and effects.
- Further research and intervention strategies are needed, especially in resource-limited areas.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
782
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
782
01:27Diversity of Protists II
713
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
713
01:07Teratogenicity
3.9K
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
3.9K