Vertical Transmission of Bovine H5N1 Influenza Virus during Pregnancy and Lactation in Mice.

ABSTRACT: Panzootic spillover of H5N1 virus clade 2.3.4.4b has resulted in expanded host range among placental mammals, with lactation transmission via milk documented. Whether infection during pregnancy leads to in utero or lactational vertical transmission remains unknown. Pregnant outbred mice were infected with A/bovine/Ohio/B24OSU-472/2024 during the second or third trimester equivalent. Second trimester infection caused in utero transmission, with infectious virus detected in the uterus, placenta, and fetus. Birth following third trimester infection resulted in offspring with decreased size, neurodevelopmental delays, and adolescent behavioral impairments, with infectious virus detected in the neonatal milk ring and lungs, as well as mammary tissues. Ongoing H5N1 infections prese

SUBMITTER: Seibert BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12265628 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature