Cited by 319Pregnancy and preeclampsia studiesPreterm Birth and ChorioamnionitisNeonatal and Maternal Infections

Influence of infection during pregnancy on fetal development

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Adams Waldorf, Kristina M, McAdams, Ryan M·2013·Reproduction

Abstract

Infection by bacteria, viruses, and parasites may lead to fetal death, organ injury, or limited sequelae depending on the pathogen. Here, we consider the role of infection during pregnancy in fetal development including placental development and function, which can lead to fetal growth restriction. The classical group of teratogenic pathogens is referred to as ‘TORCH’ (Toxoplasma gondii, others like Treponema pallidum, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus) but should include a much broader group of pathogens including Parvovirus B19, Varicella zoster virus, and Plasmodium falciparum to name a few. In this review, we describe the influence of different infections in utero on fetal development and the short- and long-term outcomes for the neonate. In some cases, the mechanisms used by these pathogens to disrupt fetal development are well known. Bacterial infection of the developing fetal lungs and brain begins with an inflammatory cascade resulting in cytokine injury and oxidative stress. For some pathogens like P. falciparum, the mechanisms involve oxidative stress and apoptosis to disrupt placental and fetal growth. An in utero infection may also affect the long-term health of the infant; in many cases, a viral infection in utero increases the risk of developing type 1 diabetes in childhood. Understanding the varied mechanisms employed by these pathogens may enable therapies to attenuate changes in fetal development, decrease preterm birth, and improve survival.

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  • Infection of the fetus can lead to growth restriction, and hence developmental programming.

    “Infection of the fetus can lead to growth restriction (3), and hence developmental programming.”

    From Placental Origins of Chronic Disease (2016) · cites this paper as [3]

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  1. [40]Hartling L Liang Y Lacaze-Masmonteil T Chorioamnionitis as a risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 1 2012 97 1 F8 F17 21697236
  2. [55]McAdams RM Juul SE The role of cytokines and inflammatory cells in perinatal brain injury Neurol Res Int 2012 2012 561494 22530124 PMC3317045

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Authors
Adams Waldorf, K. M., & McAdams, R. M.
Affiliations
  • Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • University of Washington (US)
Venue
Reproduction
Published
2013-11-01
Volume
146
Issue
5
Pages
R151-R162
ISSN
  • 1470-1626 (ISSN-L)
  • 1741-7899
OpenAlex
W2094006394
Cited by
319
References
102
Citations by year
2026: 12 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 34 · 2022: 41 · 2021: 33 · 2020: 35 · 2019: 29 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 25 · 2016: 28 · 2015: 11 · 2014: 13
FWCI
2.93
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Reproduction (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • March of Dimes Foundation
  • National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (R01AI100989, K08AI067910)
  • National Center for Research Resources (UL1RR025014)
  • Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (P30HD002274, K12HD001264)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Obstetrics and Gynecology › Pregnancy and preeclampsia studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Preterm Birth and Chorioamnionitis
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Neonatal and Maternal Infections
Keywords
infection during pregnancy, fetal development, TORCH infections, Toxoplasma gondii, Treponema pallidum, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, parvovirus B19, varicella-zoster virus, Plasmodium falciparum, placental development, fetal growth restriction, teratogenicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis, type 1 diabetes, preterm birth, neonatal outcomes
MeSH terms
Animals, Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1, Female, Fetal Death, Fetal Growth Retardation, Humans, Placentation, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Complications, Infectious, Pregnancy Outcome, Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic, Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, Fetal Development, Teratogenesis

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