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Transmission of covid-19 from mother to baby possible, new study finds

Contrary to popular belief, surrogate mothers of Covid-19 can transmit the virus to their unborn children, according to “solid evidence” released Thursday by researchers at the 23rd International AIDS Conference this week. week, for the first time online due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Researchers studied 31 infected hospitalized pregnant women and found the virus in a full-term placenta, the umbilical cord, a woman’s vagina and breast milk. Although there have been only isolated cases of babies infected with the new coronavirus, these results show the strongest link to date on mother-to-child transmission.

They also identified specific Covid-19 antibodies in umbilical cords in several women as well as in milk samples.

Claudio Fenizia, of the University of Milan and lead author of the study, said the results “strongly suggest” that in utero transmission is possible. “Given the number of people infected worldwide, the number of women likely to be affected by this phenomenon could be potentially very high, “he told AFP.

None of the infants born during the study period tested positive for Covid-19, said the researcher. “Although in utero transmission seems possible, it is too early to clearly assess the risk and the potential consequences. “, he said.

The team also identified a specific inflammatory response triggered by Covid-19 in these women in the blood plasma of the placenta and umbilical cord.

The women studied were all in their third trimester of pregnancy, said the researcher adding that more research is in progress among women positive for Covid-19 in the early stages of pregnancy.

“Our study aims to raise awareness and invite the scientific community to consider pregnancy in HIV-positive women as an urgent subject to further characterize and dissect,” said Professor Fenizia.

“I believe that promoting prevention is the surest advice we could possibly give to these patients right now,” he said.

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