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Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet 2020; 42(01): 005-011
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1700794
Original Article
Obstetrics/High Risk Pregnancy
Thieme Revinter Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

High Incidence of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 in Cord Blood and Placenta Infection of Women in Southern Brazil

Alta incidência do vírus herpes simplex 1 em sangue de cordão e infecção na placenta de mulheres no sul do Brasil

Authors

  • Emiliana Claro Avila 

    1   Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil

  • Fabiana Finger-Jardim 

    1   Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil

  • Carla Vitola Gonçalves 

    2   Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

  • Vanusa Pousada da Hora 

    1   Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil

  • Marcelo Alves Soares 

    3   Oncovirology Program, Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

  • Ana Maria Barral de Martínez 

    1   Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Brazil
Further Information

Publication History

04 June 2019

16 September 2019

Publication Date:
27 February 2020 (online)

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Abstract

Objective Estimate the prevalence of human herpesvirus type 1 HSV-1 DNA in placental samples, its incidence in umbilical cord blood of newborns and the associated risk factors.

Methods Placental biopsies and umbilical cord blood were analyzed, totaling 480 samples, from asymptomatic parturients and their newborns at a University Hospital. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing were used to identify the virus; odds ratio (OR) and relative risk (RR) were performed to compare risk factors associated with this condition.

Results The prevalence of HSV-1 DNA in placental samples was 37.5%, and the incidence in cord blood was 27.5%. Hematogenous transplacental route was identified in 61.4% from HSV-1+ samples of umbilical cord blood paired with the placental tissue. No evidence of the virus was observed in the remaining 38.6% of placental tissues, suggesting an ascendant infection from the genital tract, without replication in the placental tissue, resulting in intra-amniotic infection and vertical transmission, seen by the virus in the cord blood. The lack of condom use increased the risk of finding HSV-1 in the placenta and umbilical cord blood.

Conclusion The occurrence of HSV-1 DNA in the placenta and in cord blood found suggests vertical transmission from asymptomatic pregnant women to the fetus.

Resumo

Objetivo Estimar a prevalência do DNA do vírus herpes humano 1 (HSV-1) em amostras de placenta, sua incidência no sangue do cordão umbilical de recém-nascidos e fatores de risco associados.

Métodos Biópsias de placenta e de sangue de cordão umbilical foram analisadas, totalizando 480 amostras de parturientes assintomáticas e seus recém-nascidos em um hospital universitário. Reação de cadeia de polimerase (RCP) nested e sequenciamento gênico foram usados para identificar o vírus; odds ratio (OR) e risco relativo (RR) foram realizados para comparar os fatores de risco associados à essa condição.

Resultados A prevalência do DNA do HSV-1 em amostras de placenta foi de 37,5%, e a incidência no sangue do cordão foi de 27,5%. A via transplacentária hematogênica foi identificada em 61,4% das amostras de HSV-1 + do sangue do cordão umbilical, pareadas com o tecido placentário. Nenhuma evidência do vírus foi observada nos restantes 38,6% dos tecidos placentários, sugerindo uma infecção ascendente do trato genital. A falta de uso do preservativo aumentou o risco de encontrar o HSV-1 na placenta e no sangue do cordão umbilical.

Conclusão A ocorrência de DNA do HSV-1 na placenta e no sangue do cordão umbilical sugere uma transmissão vertical de gestantes assintomáticas para o feto.

Keywords

HSV-1 - vertical transmission - placenta - umbilical cord - herpesvirus

Palavras-chave

HSV-1 - transmissão vertical - placenta - cordão umbilical - herpesvírus

Contributions

AMMB, VPH, ECA and FF-J, conceived the study. All authors planned the study. AMMB, MAS, VPH and CGV obtained the funding for the study. ECA and Finger-Jardim F. collected and processed the samples. ECA and FF-J analyzed the data and drafted the manuscript. ECA, Finger-Jardim F. and CGV contributed to the data interpretation. All of the authors reviewed the manuscript, and gave input at all stages of the study. All of the authors have approved the final version of the manuscript for submission.