Ex vivo human placental transfer of human immunodeficiency virus-1 p24 antigen

Article Abstract:

The presence of HIV-1 p24 antigen in the circulation of children born to HIV infected mothers cannot be used as a marker of HIV infection. Serological testing for HIV is not useful in children younger than 15 months old. Other markers must be used to ascertain whether HIV has been contracted in utero. The presence of HIV-1 p24 antigen, the core antigen of the HIV-1 virus, in blood serum has been thought to be such a marker. Placentas from healthy pregnancies were obtained at birth. An intact segment was catheterized on both the maternal and fetal sides. HIV p24 antigen was transfused into the maternal side in concentrations similar to that found in the blood of HIV-infected patients. Samples of fluid were periodically withdrawn from the fetal side and assayed for p24 antigen. Some placentas prevented transport into fetal circulation even when concentration of p24 antigen was increased 4-fold. Other placentas freely permitted p24 to cross into the fetal circulation.

HIV infection, HIV infections, HIV antigens

---

Placental passage of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

Article Abstract:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may cross the placenta to the fetus and should not be taken by the mother during pregnancy. Researchers used newly delivered human placentas to determine whether temocapril, a new ACE inhibitor, crosses the placenta, and compared it to the standard ACE inhibitor, enalapril. Both drugs were found to cross the human placenta, with the fetus receiving 2% to 3% of the mother's dose. This small amount may decrease fetal kidney function and urine output, and may decrease the amniotic fluid volume. These findings suggest that ACE inhibitors should not be taken during pregnancy. Fetuses exposed to ACE inhibitors during the beginning of pregnancy may not be harmed, and abortion is not warranted. ACE inhibitors are not known to cause birth defects in humans.

ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, Captopril

---

Exposure of an infant to cervical human papillomavirus infection of the mother is common

Article Abstract:

Infants of mothers with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may be exposed to HPV infection before birth even if the mothers' infection is asymptomatic. Researchers analyzed 105 mothers of 106 infants for the presence of HPV by obtaining scrapes of mothers' cervical cells and extracted nose-throat fluid of infants. Forty of the 106 infants (37%) were HPV positive. Fifteen infected infants were born to 14 mothers with symptoms of HPV infection. Twenty-five infected infants were born to 25 mothers with no symptoms of HPV infection. Route of delivery did not influence HPV infection.

Papillomavirus infections

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Host-directed and immune-based therapies for human immunodeficiency virus infection. Does marijuana affect viral loads in people with HIV?
• Abstracts: A 58-year-old man with common variable immunodeficiency, splenomegaly, and hemolytic anemia. A 57-year-old woman with fever, sweats, neuropathy, and multiple pulmonary nodules
• Abstracts: Beyond the fringe: Complementary therapies at the margin of health care. Alternative update: complementary therapies and natural remedies are becoming more and more popular
• Abstracts: Abortion - 1995. Sex differences in the use of health care services. The homeless and the public household

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.