Comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 during pregnancy

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2021 Jan 29:538:180-186. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.12.064. Epub 2020 Dec 24.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic resulting from the emergence of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 remains a major global health concern. Pregnant individuals are more likely to develop severe COVID-19 and a number of pregnancy complications have been observed in COVID-19 patients. To date, little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on pregnancy. In this review, we examine key aspects of pregnancy that may be impacted by COVID-19 and summarize the current literature on SARS-CoV-2 infection of the placenta and in utero vertical transmission. Furthermore, we highlight recent studies exploring the role of the maternal antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and the passive transfer of maternal antibodies from mothers with COVID-19 to fetus.

Keywords: Antibody response; COVID-19; Placenta; Pregnancy; SARS-CoV-2; Vertical transmission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology*
  • COVID-19 / blood
  • COVID-19 / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical*
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange / immunology*
  • Placenta / virology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / virology*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*
  • Uterus / virology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral