Vertical Transmission of Respiratory Viruses to the Offspring | Sara Manti |
Summary :
Overt and subclinical maternal infections in pregnancy can have multiple and significant pathological consequences for the developing fetus, leading to acute perinatal complications and/or chronic disease throughout postnatal life. The current concept of pregnancy as a state of systemic immunosuppression seems oversimplified and outdated. In pregnancy the maternal immune system undergoes complex changes to establish and maintain tolerance to the fetus while still protecting from pathogens. In addition to downregulated maternal immunity, hormonal changes, and mechanical adaptation make the pregnant woman more susceptible to respiratory pathogens, such as influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARSCoV- 2). Depending on the infectious agent and timing of the infection during gestation, fetal pathology can range from mild to severe, and even fatal. Influenza is associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality in pregnant women than in the general population, and, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy, mothers are at increased risk of hospitalization for acute cardiopulmonary illness, while their babies show higher risk of complications such as prematurity, respiratory and neurological illness, congenital anomalies, and admission to neonatal intensive care.
About Author :
MD, Pediatrician, PhD, University Resercher at Pediatric Unit, Dept of Human and Pediatric Pathology “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. She took National habilitation (ASN) as Full Professor in Pediatrics; National habilitation (ASN) as Associate Professor in Pediatrics; PhD in “Biotechnology in Medicine and Surgery”, University of Messina, Messina, Sicily, Italy; Doctor Europeaus in “Biotechnology in Medicine and Surgery”, University of Messina, Messina, Sicily, Italy. Her research experience is focused on pulmonology and allergology in the paediatric population.
