Placental Sampling for Understanding Viral Infections - A Simplified Protocol for the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pathology

Background:

• The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the obstetric population is not fully understood.
• The placenta is a key organ for studying maternal-fetal transmission and disease effects.
• Placental tissue analysis can reveal pathways of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a standardized protocol for placental sampling and tissue preservation.
• To ensure the representativity and integrity of placental samples for future analyses.
• To facilitate the study of viral infections, including COVID-19, in placental tissue.

Main Methods:

• Development of a comprehensive placental sampling protocol.
• Inclusion of both complete and simplified versions for varied settings.
• Emphasis on timely sampling post-childbirth and appropriate sample conservation.

Main Results:

• Timely placental sampling post-childbirth is critical for sample adequacy.
• The proposed protocol ensures sample representativity and integrity.
• The protocol has been successfully implemented during the Zika virus outbreak.

Conclusions:

• A robust placental sampling and storage protocol is fundamental for evaluating placental viral infections.
• Implementing this protocol during the COVID-19 pandemic can elucidate critical aspects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• This standardized approach supports research into the placental pathology of viral diseases.