Zika virus-specific IgM elicited during pregnancy exhibits ultrapotent neutralization

Congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection results in neurodevelopmental deficits in up to 14% of infants born to ZIKV-infected mothers. Neutralizing antibodies are a critical component of protective immunity. Here, we demonstrate that plasma IgM responses contribute to ZIKV immunity in pregnancy, mediating neutralization up to three months post symptoms. From a ZIKV-infected pregnant woman, we established a B cell line secreting a pentameric ZIKV-specific IgM (DH1017.IgM) that exhibited ultrapotent ZIKV neutralization dependent on the IgM isotype. DH1017.IgM targets a novel envelope dimer epitope within Domain II. The arrangement of this epitope on the virion is compatible with concurrent engagement of all ten antigen-binding sites of DH1017.IgM, a solution not achievable by IgG antibodies. DH1017.IgM protected against lethal ZIKV challenge in mice. Our findings identify a unique role of antibodies of the IgM isotype in protection against ZIKV and posit DH1017.IgM as a safe and effective candidate immunoprophylactic, particularly during pregnancy.

Fetal Complications in COVID-19 Infected Pregnant Woman: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Pregnancy is an immunocompromised state and, for this reason, a pregnant woman is at a higher risk of getting infected as compared with a healthy individual. There is limited data available regarding the impact of COVD-19 on pregnancy; however, the case of miscarriage due to placental infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in second trimester has already been reported. Methods We searched for all published articles in PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane, Scopus, and Embase. The literature search produced 167 relevant publications; 67 manuscripts were further excluded because they did not satisfy our inclusion criteria. Out of the remaining 100 articles, 78 were excluded after full text screening. Therefore, a total of 22 articles were eligible for review in our study. Results Overall, these 22 studies included a total of 7,034 participants: 2,689 (38.23%) SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women, of which 2,578 (95.87%) were laboratory confirmed and 111 (4.13%) were clinically diagnosed. Among the positive patients, there were 174 (6.47%) cases of abortion, of them 168 (96.55%) were spontaneous abortions and 6 (3.45%) were missed. Most patients either reported mild symptoms of fever, cough, fatigue, and anosmia or they presented asymptomatic. Conclusion Additional investigation and rigorous research are warranted to confirm placental pathology mechanisms concerning COVID-19 to protect maternal and fetal health.

Polyhydramnios in COVID-19 infected Pregnant Woman

Bhutan has a total of 2006 cases (1271 Male, 735 Females) with one death[3]. Among 735 females, four pregnant mothers had COVID-19 infection. One mother infected with COVID-19 at 16 weeks of gestation developed polyhydramnios. The present study reports a rare finding of polyhydramnios in COVID-19 infected pregnant woman.

The Immuno-Pathology of the Human Placenta

The human placenta once was thrown after the delivery, found to be a very useful organ though it has very short life. With more and new research the old concept about placenta has changed. Now it is well established that health of growing embryo depends on the health of the placenta. To begin with immunology of neonate also depends on transplacental transport. It is well established that the health of the growing embryo depends on the health of the transplacental transport. Normally, IgG can be transported through placenta however, in Covid-19 infected pregnant woman even IgM, which is much bigger molecule than IgG, can also be transported and are found in the embryo.

Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2: a brief literature review

As COVID-19 virus is still spreading, more infections in pregnant women are likely to be seen. At this time, very little is known about vertical transmission of SARS-COV-2 from infected pregnant woman to her infant. Authors reviewed the risk of vertical transmission of COVID-19 by using data of published articles and official websites up to May 11, 2020. The searches revealed 16 articles (12 case reports/series and 4 retrospective studies) collectively comprising 194 infected pregnant women with COVID-19. 140 cases of neonates delivered from pregnant women with COVID-19 were collected. The SARS-COV-2 nucleic acid test, in day 2, was positive in 4 newborns. Based on limited data, there is no evidence for vertical transmission of COVID-19. Some studies suggestive of maternal-fetal transmission deserve careful evaluation before a definitive finding.