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[Detecting pathogens of fetal defects in paraffin embedded tissues by polymerase chain reaction]
Objective:
To examine 3 types of pathogens in dead fetus with congenital defects for exploring the pathogenesis.
Methods:
The paraffin embeded brain and liver tissues from 39 fetal autopsies with congenital defects were examined for toxoplasma, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex II by polymerase chain reaction. Among them 16 placentae were examined as well.
Results:
Pathogens were detected in 25 of 39 cases, a positive rate of 64%. Nine out of the 13 fetuses with urogenital defects were positive for the shove pathogens, while 8 from the 12 with neural tube defects were positive as well.
Conclusion:
Intrauterine infection was one of the important causes of birth defects. The characteristics of placenta morphologic changes were described, and the significance of placenta investigation in congenital malformation was emphasized.
Insights
Intrauterine infections with toxoplasma, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex II are significant causes of fetal congenital defects. Pathogen detection in fetal tissues and placentae highlights the importance of investigating these infections in congenital malformations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pathology
- Genetics
Context:
- Congenital defects pose a significant global health challenge.
- Identifying causative agents is crucial for understanding pathogenesis and prevention.
- Fetal autopsies provide valuable insights into the etiology of birth defects.
Purpose:
- To investigate the presence of three specific pathogens (Toxoplasma, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex II) in fetuses with congenital defects.
- To explore the role of these intrauterine infections in the pathogenesis of congenital malformations.
- To correlate pathogen detection with specific types of fetal defects.
Summary:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Toxoplasma, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex II in brain and liver tissues from 39 fetuses with congenital defects.
- Pathogens were identified in 64% (25/39) of cases.
- A high positive rate was observed in fetuses with urogenital defects (9/13) and neural tube defects (8/12).
Impact:
- Intrauterine infections are confirmed as a key cause of birth defects.
- The study emphasizes the diagnostic significance of placental examination in cases of congenital malformation.
- Findings contribute to understanding the link between maternal infection and fetal development abnormalities.