Prenatal infection with respiratory virus tied to inflammation and poorer growth in fetus

In a recent study by researchers have shed light on the intricate dynamics of vertical transmission of respiratory viruses from pregnant women to their offspring. Researchers have found in a new study that Prenatal infection with respiratory virus is tied to inflammation and poorer growth in fetus.

The findings were published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

The study spanned from October 2020 to June 2022 and focused on the transmission of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study looked into the frequencies, mechanisms, and postnatal outcomes of such transmissions.

Using droplet digital PCR, the research examined blood mononuclear cells from 103 mother-baby dyads. The findings revealed that twice as many newborns were vertically infected with RSV compared to SARS-CoV-2, with frequencies at 25.2% and 11.9%, respectively (p = 0.019).

Multiplex ELISA analysis further uncovered significantly heightened concentrations of various inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in both maternal and cord blood from newborns with evidence of viral exposure in utero. This inflammatory response was notably absent in the control dyads group.

The consequences of prenatal infection were profound, showing a significant association with lower birth weight and hindered postnatal weight growth. These revelations underline the potential pathological impacts of virus-induced inflammation on neonatal health, manifesting within the first days of life.

The study employed by collecting maternal and cord blood samples at delivery, along with meticulous documentation of demographic and medical information through study questionnaires and electronic medical records.

This emphasizes the importance of understanding the varying vertical transmission rates and inflammatory consequences associated with different respiratory viruses during pregnancy. These insights are crucial for developing targeted strategies to safeguard the health of both mothers and newborns.

Source:

Trinh, I. V., Desai, S. P., Ley, S. H., Mo, Z., Sato, R., Pridjian, G. C., Longo, S. A., Shaffer, J. G., Robinson, J. E., Norton, E. B., & Piedimonte, G. (2023). Prenatal Infection by Respiratory Viruses Is Associated With Immuno-Inflammatory Responses in the Fetus. In American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. American Thoracic Society. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.202308-1461oc