Researchers at the University of Miami reported what they believe are the first 2 confirmed cases in which the SARS-CoV-2 virus crossed a mother's placenta and caused brain damage in the infants they were carrying.
Doctors previously had suspected this was possible, but until now, there was no direct evidence of COVID-19 in a mother's placenta or an infant's brain, the team told reporters at a news briefing.
"This is the first time that we've been able to demonstrate the virus in a fetal organ with transplacental passage," Dr. Michael Paidas, chairman of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Miami, told the briefing. "That's why we think this is so important." Neither of the infants tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but they did have high levels of COVID antibodies in their blood, Dr. Merline Benny, a neonatologist and assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Miami, told the briefing. She said that suggests the virus crossed from the mother, through the placenta and to the baby.
Dr. Shahnaz Duara, an obstetrician and gynecologist at the University of Miami, said she believed the cases were rare, but urged women who had been infected during their pregnancies to inform their children's pediatricians to check for developmental delays.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Eastern Illinois University faculty and staff slated to strike Thursday: ‘We lose wages when we strike’Eastern Illinois University union members and university officials have been bargaining for more than a year.
Read more »
COVID caused brain damage in 2 infants infected during pregnancy -US studyResearchers at the University of Miami reported on Thursday what they believe are the first two confirmed cases in which the SARS-CoV-2 virus crossed a mother's placenta and caused brain damage in the infants they were carrying.
Read more »
Team of Australian and Japanese researchers find deepest-swimming fish ever recordedA team of Australian and Japanese researchers has set the record for the deepest fish ever filmed, after observing a type of snailfish swimming more than five miles underwater.
Read more »
Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 at the Huanan Seafood Market - NatureNature research paper: Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 at the Huanan Seafood Market
Read more »
Researchers built sonar glasses that track facial movements for silent communication | EngadgetA Cornell University researcher has developed sonar glasses that “hear” you without having to speak..
Read more »
Air pollution may increase dementia risk, Harvard researchers find: ‘A big step in providing actionable data’Air pollution exposure may lead to an increased risk for dementia, according to Harvard researchers who call this new finding “a big step in providing actionable data” for the EPA.
Read more »