Experimental evidence for a high rate of maternal-fetal transmission of dengue virus in the presence of antibodies in immunocompromised mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Congenital disorders associated with prenatal vertical transmission of Zika virus (ZIKV) is well established since the 2016 outbreak in the Americas. However, despite clinical reports of similar mode of transmission for other flaviviruses such as dengue virus (DENV), the phenomenon has not been experimentally explored.

Methods

Pregnant AG129 mice were infected with DENV1 in the presence or absence of enhancing antibodies at different gestational time points. ZIKV was used for comparison. We quantified viral load in fetus and placentas and performed comprehensive gene expression profiling in the maternal (decidua) and fetal portion of placenta separately.

Findings

We demonstrate in a laboratory experimental setting that DENV can be transmitted vertically in

SUBMITTER: Watanabe S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8921544 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature