
A study led by UCL researchers at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and the NIHR Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Center found that Covid-19 infection is possible only if the fetus is exposed to SARS-CoV-2. virus.
The study was published in the journal ‘BJOG – International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology’.
The study did not specifically examine whether mothers with Covid-19 and their infants were infected, but found that some organs of the fetus, such as the abdomen, were more susceptible to infection than others.
However, the placenta is highly effective and acts as a protective shield, so researchers say the chances of the Covid-19 virus infecting the fetus are very limited.
The researchers sought to understand how Covid-19 antibodies could be produced in newborns, which have been reported in a small number of cases.
In particular, the infected mother was asked to find out if the virus was transmitted to the fetus.
To answer this question, the researchers studied the various organs and placental tissues of the fetus to see if they had cell surface protein receptors, ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Both of these receptors are located outside the cell and are required for the transmission and spread of the SARS-Cov-2 virus.
The researchers found that the only fetal organs containing both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were the intestine (intestine) and kidney; However, the risk of infection is low because the fetal kidneys are anatomically protected from the virus.
Therefore, the team concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is transmitted to the fetus only through ingestion of intestinal and amniotic fluid.
After birth, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors bind to the surface of human intestinal and lung cells. The gut and lungs are suspected to be the main routes of Covid-19 infection, but in young children, the gut plays the most important role in viral infections.
Therefore, the team concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is transmitted to the fetus only through ingestion of intestinal and amniotic fluid.
After birth, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors bind to the surface of human intestinal and lung cells. The gut and lungs are suspected to be the main routes of Covid-19 infection, but in young children, the gut plays the most important role in viral infections.
After birth, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors bind to the surface of human intestinal and lung cells. The gut and lungs are suspected to be the main routes of Covid-19 infection, but in young children, the gut plays the most important role in viral infections.
“The fetus begins to swallow amniotic fluid in the second half of pregnancy. SARS-CoV-2 to cause infection,” explains Dr. Mattia Gerley, senior author (UCL of Surgery and Interventional Science & Royal Free Hospital). The virus must be present in large amounts in the amniotic fluid around the fetus. “
https://www.guilded.gg/residentevildanishs-Trojans/overview/news/QlLj5Oxy
https://www.guilded.gg/residentevildanishs-Trojans/overview/news/PyJ1QmY6
https://www.guilded.gg/residentevildanishs-Trojans/overview/news/D6K7vjz6
https://www.guilded.gg/greekmovies-Org/overview/news/2l3N71XR
https://www.guilded.gg/greekmovies-Org/overview/news/gy8JQnal
https://www.guilded.gg/greekmovies-Org/overview/news/AykNdbJ6
https://www.guilded.gg/greekmovies-Org/overview/news/KR2k3A0l
https://www.guilded.gg/greekmovies-Org/overview/news/B6ZX3e5R
https://www.guilded.gg/greekmovies-Org/overview/news/GRmAPJdR
https://www.guilded.gg/greekmovies-Org/overview/news/Jlak7gmy
https://www.guilded.gg/greekmovies-Org/overview/news/16n0GLKR
https://www.guilded.gg/greekmovies-Org/overview/news/bR9PeGoy
“However, many antenatal care studies have shown that even if the mother is infected with Covid-19, the amniotic fluid around the fetus usually does not contain the SARS-CoV2 virus. It’s possible, but it’s rare, and it’s reassuring for future parents, ”Gerley added.
Funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the UKRI COVID-19 Rapid Response Initiative, the study provides the most accurate information on the susceptibility of the human fetus to COVID-19.
The Human Developmental Biological Resource (HDBR) has made it possible to obtain fetal organs and tissues through a biobank, which has helped in the study of embryos / fetuses. None of the donated fetal organs or tissues belonged to a mother infected with Covid-19, and the research team did not perform Covid-19 antibody testing in accordance with the Code of Ethics.
Senior author Professor Paolo De Coppi (UCL Great Ormond Street Pediatric Institute and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital) said: Our study should reassure mothers that there is limited evidence of amniotic fluid containing the virus as a natural barrier. “
The authors point out that the greatest risk to the fetus during pregnancy is that the mother’s body becomes very ill due to Covid-19 infection. In this case, the virus may be present in high concentrations in the amniotic fluid. In addition, it can damage the placenta and lead to premature birth.
Co-author and professor Anna David (UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health and UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Center) added, “Vaccination against Covid-19 is safe during pregnancy and significantly reduces the risk of Sars-CoV2 infection. The results of this study provide clear information about the susceptibility of the human fetus to Covid-19 infection. Our findings support the current health policy that vaccination during pregnancy is the best way to protect the unborn child from Covid-19 infection. “