Prediction of Non-canonical Routes for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Human Placenta Cells

The SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The data available about COVID-19 during pregnancy have demonstrated placental infection; however, the mechanisms associated with intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is still debated. Intriguingly, while canonical SARS-CoV-2 cell entry mediators are expressed at low levels in placental cells, the receptors for viruses that cause congenital infections such as the cytomegalovirus and Zika virus are highly expressed in these cells. Here we analyzed the transcriptional profile (microarray and single-cell RNA-Seq) of proteins potentially interacting with coronaviruses to identify non- canonical mediators of SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication in the placenta. Despite low levels of the canonical cell entry mediators ACE2 and TMPRSS2, we show that cells of the syncytiotrophoblast, villous cytotrophoblast, and extravillous trophoblast co-express high levels of the potential non-canonical cell-entry mediators DPP4 and CTSL. We also found changes in the expression of DAAM1 and PAICS genes during pregnancy, which are translated into proteins also predicted to interact with coronaviruses proteins. These results provide new insight into the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and host proteins that may act as non-canonical routes for SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication in the placenta cells.

Schwangerschaftsverlauf während der Zikavirus- Epidemie in Kolumbien

Kolumbien erlebte zwischen 2015 und 2016 eine Zikavirus-Epidemie. Das Flavivirus wird durch Moskitos übertragen, aber auch eine sexuelle sowie eine intrauterine Transmission sind möglich. Kolumbianische Wissenschaftler untersuchten nun mithilfe zweier nationaler Überwachungssysteme – einem Register für symptomatische Zikavirusinfektionen sowie einem Fehlbildungsregister – die Auswirkungen der Infektion auf den Schwangerschaftsverlauf und die Feten.

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to premature twins from an asymptomatic mother

ObjectivesThe incidence of vertically transmitted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) could be higher than published. We feel that cases of SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission are under-reported.Case presentationWe report a case of SARS-CoV-2 in premature monochorionic monoamniotic twins born by caesarean section to an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive mother.ConclusionsThis case supports the potential for intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2 as previously reported. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission from reported cases is low; however this may be due to the difficulty disproving horizontal transmission or under-reporting of cases.

Quantitative HBsAg and Qualitative HBeAg Predicts Intrauterine Placental Infection and Umbilical Blood Cord in Pregnant Women

Objective: To know the correlation between quantitative HBsAg and maternal HBeAg with hepatitis B intrauterine transmission via placental infection. Hepatitis B in pregnancy causes a mother to child transmission (MTCT) via transplacental route started with placental infection. HBV DNA viral load and HBeAg are the independent risk factors for MTCT, but it rarely available in developing country. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study in 33 pregnant women with HBsAg positive in 4 referral hospital in East Java, Indonesia. Quantitative HBsAg and HBeAg status were determined serologically from a peripheral venous blood sample. Placental Hepatitis B infection was detected by immunohistochemistry of HBsAg from placental tissues. The intrauterine transmission was diagnosed by positive HBsAg in cord blood sampling after deliveries. Results: Serum quantitative HBsAg level has a good sensitivity and spesificity to predict placental infection (90% and 83%), with a cut off value of 3.14 Log10 IU/mL (AUC 0.87; 95% CI: 0.74-0.99). Quantitative HBsAg level also has a good sensitivity and spesificity to predict HBV transmission in umbilical blood cord (81.8% and 95.5%) with a cut off value of 3.62 log10 IU/ml (AUC: 0.925, 95% CI: 0.813-1; p = 0.000). Placental infection is significantly related with intrauterine transmission with OR 4.6 (95% CI 2.29-9.4; p = 0.002). Conclusion: The study reveals that maternal serum quantitative HBsAg level can be used as an alternative test to substitute HBeAg or HBV DNA as a marker to predict the placental infection and intrauterine transmission, especially in low-middle income countries.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pada Anak (Studi Literatur)

Latar Belakang: Pandemi Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) yang disebabkan oleh virus SARS CoV-2 ini berawal dari Wuhan, China, menyebar ke lebih dari 200 negara dan mengakibatkan puluhan ribu kematian termasuk anak. Studi literatur yang membahas COVID-19 pada orang dewasa mulai bermunculan, namun pada anak masih terbatas. Dalam studi literatur ini kami mengulas beberapa artikel ilmiah dan literatur terbaru tentang COVID-19 pada anak yang dipublikasikan sejak Januari 2020 hingga akhir Juli 2020, khususnya manifestasi klinis dan pemeriksaan penunjang. Metode: Mengulas publikasi 35 literatur ilmiah mengenai COVID-19 anak pada jurnal seperti Pubmed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, The Lancet sejak Januari hingga Juli 2020. Hasil: Kejadian COVID-19 pada anak lebih rendah dan memiliki gejala yang lebih ringan dibandingkan orang dewasa. Gejala yang sering muncul adalah batuk, faring hiperemis, dan demam. Belum ada bukti jelas mengenai kejadian transmisi intrauterine yang dilaporkan. Prognosis menunjukkan respon terapi yang baik dan pemulihan yang lebih cepat dibandingkan dengan orang dewasa. Kesimpulan: Kejadian COVID-19 lebih rendah, manifestasi klinis lebih ringan dan prognosis lebih baik pada anak dibandingkan dengan orang dewasa. Kata kunci: COVID-19, anak, studi literatur Background: The Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS CoV-2 virus originated in Wuhan, China, spread to more than 200 countries and resulted in tens of thousands of deaths including children. Literature studies discussing COVID-19 in adults are starting to emerge, but in children it is still limited. In this literature study, we review some of the latest scientific articles and literature on COVID-19 in children published from January 2020 to the end of July 2020, in particular clinical manifestations and supporting examinations. Methods: Reviewing 35 scientific literatures about children with COVID-19 in journals such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, The Lancet from January to July 2020. Results: The incidence of COVID-19 in children was lower and had milder symptoms than adults. Symptoms that often appear are cough, hyperemic pharynx, and fever. There was unclear proof of intrauterine transmission. The prognosis of children with COVID-19 showed a good response to therapy and faster recovery compared to adults. Conclusion: The incidence of COVID-19 is lower, the clinical manifestations are milder, and the prognosis is better in children compared to adults. Keywords: COVID-19, children, literature study