November 16, 2020

Intrauterine Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

Keywords (Tags): pregnancy

A case of fetal death associated with intrauterine transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was documented in Brazil. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in cotyledon samples, membranes, and umbilical cord blood aspirate, suggesting possible breakdown of the placental barrier. However, all fetal tissue samples tested negative. Examination and autopsy found placental lesions and vascular malperfusions, microglial hyperplasia, and lymphocytic infiltrate in muscle in the placenta and fetal tissue.

Stonoga et al. (Feb 2021). Intrauterine Transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Emerging Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2702.203824