The limited knowledge of placental damage due to neglected infections: ongoing problems in Latin America

Isabela Moreti Ribeiro1, Paula Cristina Souza Souto1, Alexandre U Borbely2

  • 1Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Histopathology, Institute of Health Sciences and Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso , Barra Do Garcas, Brazil.

The placenta works as a selective barrier, protecting the fetus from potential infections that may affect the maternal organism during pregnancy. In this review, we will discuss several challenging infections that are common within Latin American countries and that may affect the maternal-fetal interface and pose risks to fetal development. Specifically, we will focus on emerging infectious diseases including the arboviruses, malaria, leishmaniasis, and the bacterial foodborne disease caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. We will also highlight some topics of interest currently being studied by research groups that comprise an international effort aimed at filling the knowledge gaps in this field. These topics address the relationship between exposure to microorganisms and placental abnormalities, congenital anomalies, and complications of pregnancy.

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