Chances of Unborn Baby contracting Covid-19 Virus Extremely Limited: Study | Health

According to a study conducted by UCL researchers with the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the NIHR Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Center, it is only possible for an unborn baby to contract Covid-19 if their gut is exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The research has been published in the ‘BJOG – An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology Journal’.

Although the study did not specifically focus on mothers Covid-19 and if their infection was passed on to an unborn baby, he found that some fetal organs, such as the intestine, are more susceptible to infection than others.

However, the researchers said the possibilities of the Covid-19 virus infects the fetus are extremely limited, as the placenta has acted as a highly effective and protective shield, and evidence suggests that fetal infection, known as vertical transmission, is extremely rare.

Researchers set out to understand how the newborn babies may have developed Covid-19 antibodies, as had been reported in a small number of cases.

Specifically, they wanted to know if and how the virus could be transmitted from an infected mother to the unborn fetus.

To answer this question, the researchers examined various fetal organs and placental tissues to see if there was any presence of the cell surface protein receptors, ACE2 and TMPRSS2. These two receptors are found outside of cells and both are necessary for the SARS-Cov-2 virus to infect and spread.

The researchers found that the only fetal organs to have both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were the intestines (gut) and kidneys; however, the fetal kidney is anatomically protected from exposure to the virus and is therefore less at risk of infection.

Therefore, the team concluded that the SARS-CoV-2 virus could infect the fetus only through the intestine and through fetal swallowing of amniotic fluid, which the unborn baby naturally does for nutrients.

After birth, ACE2 and TMPRSS2 receptors are present in combination on the surface of cells of the human intestine as well as the lung. The intestine and lungs are believed to be the main routes of infection with Covid-19, but in young children, the intestine appears to be the most important for viral infection.

Lead author Dr Mattia Gerli (Division of Surgery and Interventional Science at UCL and the Royal Free Hospital) explained: “The fetus is known to begin to swallow amniotic fluid in the second half of pregnancy. To cause infection, the SARS-CoV-2 virus would need to be present in significant amounts in the amniotic fluid around the fetus. “

“However, numerous maternity studies have found that the amniotic fluid around the fetus generally does not contain the SARS-CoV2 virus, even if the mother is infected with Covid-19. Our results therefore explain that clinical infection of the fetus during pregnancy is possible but rare and it is reassuring for future parents, ”added Gerli.

The study, funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the UKRI’s Covid-19 Rapid Response Initiative, provided the most definitive information to date regarding the susceptibility of the human fetus to infection. at Covid-19.

Fetal organs and tissues were made available through the Biobank of Human Developmental Biological Resources (HDBR), which aided embryonic / fetal research. None of the organs and tissues of the donated fetuses were from mothers infected with Covid-19, and according to ethical guidelines, the research team did not test for Covid-19 antibodies.

Co-lead author Professor Paolo De Coppi (UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital) said: “We have shown that the fetal intestine, which is in contact with amniotic fluids swallowed by the baby is sensitive to SARS-CoV-2 viruses. However, the placenta acts as a natural barrier, and with the limited evidence of amniotic fluid containing the virus, our study should reassure mothers. “

The authors pointed out that the greatest risk to the fetus during pregnancy is if the mother becomes very ill with a Covid-19 infection. In this case, the virus may be present in high concentrations in the amniotic fluid. Additionally, it could damage the placenta, which can lead to premature birth.

Co-author Professor Anna David (UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health and UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Center) added: “Vaccination against Covid-19 is known to be safe during pregnancy and reduced to very low The results of this study provide definitive information regarding the susceptibility of the human fetus to infection with Covid-19. Our results support the current health policy that vaccination during pregnancy is the best way for mothers to protect their babies. unborn against Covid-19 infection. “

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This story was posted from an agency feed with no text editing. Only the title has been changed.