Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus could partly be evacuated by pregnant BALB/c mouse during abortion or preterm delivery
2011

H5N1 Virus Transmission in Pregnant Mice

Sample size: 18 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Xu Lili, Bao Linlin, Deng Wei, Qin Chuan

Primary Institution: Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Comparative Medicine Center, Peking Union Medical College

Hypothesis

Can the H5N1 virus be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta in pregnant mice?

Conclusion

The study found that H5N1 viruses can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta and can partly be evacuated during abortion or preterm delivery.

Supporting Evidence

  • H5N1 viruses can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta.
  • Pregnant mice showed lower viral loads in lung tissues compared to nonpregnant mice.
  • Some neonates survived up to 14 days post-infection.

Takeaway

Pregnant mice can pass the H5N1 virus to their babies before they are born, and some of the virus can be removed during abortion.

Methodology

Pregnant BALB/c mice were infected with H5N1 virus and monitored for viral transmission to fetuses and evacuation during abortion.

Limitations

Findings need to be confirmed by further studies, especially in clinical cases.

Participant Demographics

Female BALB/c mice, aged 5 weeks.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1743-422X-8-342

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