HHV-8 Infection of Placental Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Di Stefano Mariantonietta, Calabrò Maria Luisa, Di Gangi Iole Maria, Cantatore Santina, Barbierato Massimo, Bergamo Elisa, Kfutwah Anfumbom Jude, Neri Margherita, Chieco-Bianchi Luigi, Greco Pantaleo, Gesualdo Loreto, Ayouba Ahidjo, Menu Elisabeth, Fiore Josè Ramòn
Primary Institution: University of Foggia, Italy
Hypothesis
Can human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infect placental cells in vitro and in vivo?
Conclusion
The study provides evidence that HHV-8 can infect placental cells, which may influence vertical transmission and pregnancy outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- HHV-8 DNA was detected in placenta samples from HHV-8-seropositive women.
- Placental histocultures showed increasing amounts of HHV-8 DNA over time.
- Both trophoblasts and endothelial cells expressed HHV-8 proteins.
- Apoptotic phenomena were more frequent in HHV-8-infected placental cells.
Takeaway
This study shows that a virus called HHV-8 can get into the cells of the placenta, which might affect babies during pregnancy.
Methodology
The study used placental histocultures to evaluate the susceptibility of placental cells to HHV-8 infection and analyzed samples from HHV-8-seropositive women.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the limited sample size from only two geographic locations.
Limitations
The study was limited to term pregnancies and did not include premature deliveries or abortions.
Participant Demographics
60 women, 30 from Italy and 30 from Cameroon, all HHV-8-seropositive.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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