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Cytomegalovirus infection and pathogenesis in the human placenta

Authors :
Lenore Pereira
Matthew Petitt
Takako Tabata
Source :
Microbiology Australia. 36:171
Publication Year :
2015
Publisher :
CSIRO Publishing, 2015.

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common cause of congenital viral infection. Affected children can have permanent neurological complications, including hearing loss, visual impairment and mental retardation1–3. In Australia, 57% of women are seronegative and at risk for primary infection and transmission of virus to the fetus during pregnancy4. Despite its public health significance, the specific molecular and cellular basis of HCMV replication in the human placenta and pathogenesis associated with poor clinical outcome are unknown. Direct fetal infection is involved in severe cases of neuropathology and infection of the placenta can impair its development and functions resulting in a hypoxic environment5–8 and stillbirth6,9,10. Gestational age at the time of infection is an important determinant of outcome. The rates of virus transmission increase from 30% in first trimester to over 70% in third trimester suggesting different mechanisms for overcoming the placental barrier2. Remarkable insights into viral pathogenesis factors that function in the tissue environment have been gained by studying congenitally infected placentas and explants infected by clinical strains ex vivo. Together these studies revealed that direct infection of specialised placental cells and paracrine factors contribute to impaired development and functional defects.

Details

ISSN :
13244272
Volume :
36
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Microbiology Australia
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........1db93878c430b7d4faadfdd2921e6cda