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Spontaneous Abortion and Chikungunya Infection: Pathological Findings.
Natália Salomão1, Michelle Brendolin2, Kíssila Rabelo3
1Interdisciplinary Medical Research Laboratory Rio de Janeiro, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil.
Viruses
|April 3, 2021
Summary
Early pregnancy Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in four women led to spontaneous abortion. CHIKV presence was confirmed in maternal and fetal tissues, indicating early fetal transmission and a role in fetal death.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Pathology
Background:
- Intrauterine Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) transmission during early pregnancy is infrequently documented.
- Vertical transmission is typically observed in newborns, not early in gestation.
Observation:
- Four cases of spontaneous abortion occurred in women infected with CHIKV between 11 and 17 weeks of gestation.
- Infection was confirmed via RT-PCR and IgM anti-CHIKV antibody detection.
- Histopathological analysis revealed placental inflammation, calcification, edema, and fibrinoid deposition.
Findings:
- Ultrastructural analysis showed cellular damage in placental tissues, including mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum alterations, and apoptotic bodies.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed CHIKV presence in various placental cells and decidual tissues.
- Virus-like particles consistent with CHIKV size were identified in aborted material via electron microscopy.
Implications:
- These findings suggest early maternal-fetal transmission of CHIKV.
- The study provides evidence for CHIKV's role in early fetal death and spontaneous abortion.
- Highlights the importance of considering CHIKV in pregnant women presenting with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
