October 13, 2020

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Vertical Transmission during Pregnancy. Nature Communications

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Transmission

Keywords (Tags): pregnancy

• Fenizia et al. report 3 cases of vertical transmission in a cohort of 31 mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection. They also found SARS-CoV-2 RNA in umbilical cord blood from one participant, two at-term placentas, one sample from vaginal mucosa, and one milk specimen. IgM and IgG SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were also found in one umbilical cord blood and one milk specimen. These findings suggest that while unlikely, in utero vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is possible. 

Fenizia et al. (Oct 12, 2020). Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Vertical Transmission during Pregnancy. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-18933-4