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Viruses
Special Issues
Mother to Child Transmission of Viral Infections
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Mother to Child Transmission of Viral Infections

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Human Virology and Viral Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2024) | Viewed by 8466

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kazuo Itabashi
*
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Aiseikai Memorial Ibaraki Welfare and Medical Center, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
Interests: HTLV-1 mother-to child transmission (screening and preventive measures)
* PhD
Prof. Dr. Hiroyuki Moriuchi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
Interests: cytomegalovirus infections; rubella virus; pregnancy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of viral infections causes significant morbidity and mortality in children, and the socioeconomic burden of this phenomenon is substantial. Maternal screening is an accepted component of several strategies for the prevention of congenital and neonatal viral infections. For example, pregnant women are tested for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, HIV, human T-cell leukemia virus type I, and rubella virus during antenatal checkups in Japan. Neonatal screening, either targeted or universal, has been implemented for cytomegalovirus in some areas of Europe and North America. Although we have seen marked improvements in our understanding of epidemiological features, there remain many issues to be resolved in the development of diagnostic measures and preventive and therapeutic strategies for several vertical viral infections. Particularly pressing are the challenges of MTCT due to endemic viruses (e.g., Zika virus) and newly emerging viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2). The goal of this Special Issue of Viruses is to explore new advances in the study of the MTCT of viral infections. We invite original research and review articles on the pathogenesis and prevention of MTCT of viral infections. Topics of interest regarding MTCT include, but are not limited to, the following areas:

  • pathogenesis and defense mechanisms;
  • screening strategies expected to be introduced;
  • preventive measures;
  • therapeutic agents expected to be introduced.

Dr. Kazuo Itabashi
Prof. Dr. Hiroyuki Moriuchi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • antenatal/neonatal screening
  • antiviral drugs/agents
  • mother-to-child transmission
  • pathogenesis
  • prevention

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 2928 KiB  
Article
The Characteristic of HBV Quasispecies Is Related to Occult HBV Infection of Infants Born to Highly Viremic Mothers
by Yi Li, Yarong Song, Yiwei Xiao, Tong Wang, Lili Li, Minmin Liu, Jie Li and Jie Wang
Viruses 2024, 16(7), 1104; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16071104 - 9 Jul 2024
Viewed by 947
Abstract
Although a combination of immunoprophylaxis and antiviral therapy can effectively prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV), a considerable number of infants born to highly viremic mothers still develop occult HBV infection (OBI). To uncover the virological factor and risk predictor [...] Read more.
Although a combination of immunoprophylaxis and antiviral therapy can effectively prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV), a considerable number of infants born to highly viremic mothers still develop occult HBV infection (OBI). To uncover the virological factor and risk predictor for OBI in infants, we found that the diversity and complexity of maternal HBV quasispecies in the case group were lower than those in the control group. Mutations with significant differences between the two groups were most enriched in the NTCPbd and PreC regions. Genetic distance at the amino-acid level of the PreC region, especially the combination of three amino-acid mutations in the PreC region, could strongly predict the risk of OBI in infants. HBV quasispecies in OBI infants were highly complex, and the non-synonymous substitutions were mainly found in the RT and HBsAg regions. The sK47E (rtQ55R) and sP49L mutations in OBI infants might contribute to OBI through inhibiting the production of HBV DNA and HBsAg, respectively. This study found the potential virological factors and risk predictors for OBI in infants born to highly viremic mothers, which might be helpful for controlling OBI in infants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mother to Child Transmission of Viral Infections)
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10 pages, 239 KiB  
Article
Strategic HIV Case Findings among Infants at Different Entry Points of Health Facilities in Cameroon: Optimizing the Elimination of Mother-To-Child Transmission in Low- and- Middle-Income Countries
by Celine Nguefeu Nkenfou, Georges Nguefack-Tsague, Aubin Joseph Nanfack, Sylvie Agnes Moudourou, Marie-Nicole Ngoufack, Leaticia-Grace Yatchou, Elise Lobe Elong, Joel-Josephine Kameni, Aline Tiga, Rachel Kamgaing, Nelly Kamgaing, Joseph Fokam and Alexis Ndjolo
Viruses 2024, 16(5), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050752 - 10 May 2024
Viewed by 1525
Abstract
Background: HIV case finding is an essential component for ending AIDS, but there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of such a strategy in the pediatric population. We sought to determine HIV positivity rates among children according to entry points in Cameroon. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: HIV case finding is an essential component for ending AIDS, but there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of such a strategy in the pediatric population. We sought to determine HIV positivity rates among children according to entry points in Cameroon. Methods: A facility-based survey was conducted from January 2015 to December 2019 among mother–child couples at various entry points of health facilities in six regions of Cameroon. A questionnaire was administered to parents/guardians. Children were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Positivity rates were compared between entry points. Associations were quantified using the unadjusted positivity ratio (PR) for univariate analyses and the adjusted positivity ratio (aPR) for multiple Poisson regression analyses with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Overall, 24,097 children were enrolled. Among them, 75.91% were tested through the HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) program, followed by outpatient (13.27%) and immunization (6.27%) services. In total, PMTCT, immunization, and outpatient services accounted for 95.39% of children. The overall positivity was 5.71%, with significant differences (p < 0.001) between entry points. Univariate analysis showed that inpatient service (PR = 1.45; 95% CI: [1.08, 1.94]; p = 0.014), infant welfare (PR = 0.43; 95% CI: [0.28, 0.66]; p < 0.001), immunization (PR = 0.56; 95% CI: [0.45, 0.70]; p < 0.001), and PMTCT (PR = 0.41; 95% CI: [0.37, 0.46]; p < 0.001) were associated with HIV transmission. After adjusting for other covariates, only PMTCT was associated with transmission (aPR = 0.66; 95% CI: [0.51, 0.86]; p = 0.002). Conclusions: While PMTCT accounts for most tested children, high HIV positivity rates were found among children presenting at inpatient, nutrition, and outpatient services and HIV care units. Thus, systematic HIV testing should be proposed for all sick children presenting at the hospital who have escaped the PMTCT cascade. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mother to Child Transmission of Viral Infections)
13 pages, 632 KiB  
Article
A Birth Cohort Follow-Up Study on Congenital Zika Virus Infection in Vietnam
by Michiko Toizumi, Cuong Nguyen Vu, Hai Thi Huynh, Masafumi Uematsu, Vy Thao Tran, Hien Minh Vo, Hien Anh Thi Nguyen, Mya Myat Ngwe Tun, Minh Xuan Bui, Duc Anh Dang, Hiroyuki Moriuchi and Lay-Myint Yoshida
Viruses 2023, 15(9), 1928; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15091928 - 15 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1515
Abstract
We assessed the development, sensory status, and brain structure of children with congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection (CZI) at two years and preschool age. CZI was defined as either ZIKV RNA detection or positive ZIKV IgM and neutralization test in the cord or [...] Read more.
We assessed the development, sensory status, and brain structure of children with congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection (CZI) at two years and preschool age. CZI was defined as either ZIKV RNA detection or positive ZIKV IgM and neutralization test in the cord or neonatal blood. Twelve children with CZI born in 2017–2018 in Vietnam, including one with Down syndrome, were assessed at 23–25.5 months of age, using Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3), ASQ:Social-Emotional (ASQ:SE-2), Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, automated auditory brainstem response (AABR), and Spot Vision Screener (SVS). They underwent brain CT and MRI. They had detailed ophthalmological examinations, ASQ-3, and ASQ:SE-2 at 51–62 months of age. None had birthweight or head circumference z-score < −3 except for the one with Down syndrome. All tests passed AABR (n = 10). No ophthalmological problems were detected by SVS (n = 10) and detailed examinations (n = 6), except for a girl’s astigmatism. Communication and problem-solving domains in a boy at 24 months, gross-motor area in a boy, and gross-motor and fine-motor areas in another boy at 59–61 months were in the referral zone. Brain CT (n = 8) and MRI (n = 6) revealed no abnormalities in the cerebrum, cerebellum, or brainstem other than cerebellar hypoplasia with Down syndrome. The CZI children were almost age-appropriately developed with no brain or eye abnormalities. Careful and longer follow-up is necessary for children with CZI. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mother to Child Transmission of Viral Infections)
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16 pages, 1753 KiB  
Article
Maternal Th17 Profile after Zika Virus Infection Is Involved in Congenital Zika Syndrome Development in Children
by Eder M. S. Fialho, Emanoel M. Veras, Caroline M. de Jesus, Líllian N. Gomes, Ricardo Khouri, Patrícia S. Sousa, Marizélia R. C. Ribeiro, Rosângela F. L. Batista, Luciana C. Costa, Flávia R. F. Nascimento, Antônio A. M. Silva and Paulo V. Soeiro-Pereira
Viruses 2023, 15(6), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15061320 - 4 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2145
Abstract
Brazil is one of the countries that experienced an epidemic of microcephaly and other congenital manifestations related to maternal Zika virus infection which can result in Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Since the Zika virus can modulate the immune system, studying mothers’ and children’s [...] Read more.
Brazil is one of the countries that experienced an epidemic of microcephaly and other congenital manifestations related to maternal Zika virus infection which can result in Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). Since the Zika virus can modulate the immune system, studying mothers’ and children’s immune profiles become essential to better understanding CZS development. Therefore, we investigated the lymphocyte population profile of children who developed CZS and their mothers’ immune response in this study. The study groups were formed from the Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT) (CZS+ group) result. To evaluate the lymphocyte population profile, we performed phenotyping of peripheral lymphocytes and quantification of serum cytokine levels. The immunophenotyping and cytokine profile was correlated between CSZ+ children and their mothers. Both groups exhibited increased interleukin-17 levels and a reduction in the subpopulation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. In contrast, the maternal group showed a reduction in the population of B lymphocytes. Thus, the development of CZS is related to the presence of an inflammatory immune profile in children and their mothers characterized by Th17 activation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mother to Child Transmission of Viral Infections)
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Review

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11 pages, 1545 KiB  
Review
Measures for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 Transmission in Japan: The Burdens of HTLV-1-Infected Mothers
by Kaoru Uchimaru and Kazuo Itabashi
Viruses 2023, 15(10), 2002; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15102002 - 26 Sep 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1466
Abstract
The main mode of mother-to-child transmission of the human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV)-1 is through breastfeeding. Although the most reliable nutritional regimen to prevent HTLV-1 transmission is exclusive formula feeding, a recent meta-analysis revealed that short-term breastfeeding within 90 days does not increase [...] Read more.
The main mode of mother-to-child transmission of the human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV)-1 is through breastfeeding. Although the most reliable nutritional regimen to prevent HTLV-1 transmission is exclusive formula feeding, a recent meta-analysis revealed that short-term breastfeeding within 90 days does not increase the risk of infection. The protocol of the Japanese Health, Labor, and Welfare Science Research Group primarily recommended exclusive formula feeding for mothers who are positive for HTLV-1. However, there has been no quantitative research on the difficulties experienced by HTLV-1-positive mothers in carrying out these nutritional regimens, including the psychological burden. Therefore, this review was performed to clarify the burdens and difficulties encountered by mothers who are positive for HTLV-1; to this end, we analyzed the data registrants on the HTLV-1 career registration website “Carri-net” website. The data strongly suggest that it is not sufficient to simply recommend exclusive formula feeding or short-term breastfeeding as a means of preventing mother-to-child transmission; it is important for health care providers to understand that these nutritional regimens represent a major burden for pregnant women who are positive for HTLV-1 and to provide close support to ensure these women’s health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mother to Child Transmission of Viral Infections)
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