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Recent studies have shed light on the low rates of COVID-19 transmission from pregnant individuals to their newborns, focusing on the crucial role of the placenta. Expecting parents have understandably been anxious about the possibility of transmitting the virus in utero, but findings from the Journal of Pathology provide some reassurance.
Researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) examined placenta samples from 16 pregnant individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 during their second or third trimesters. They discovered that these samples had significantly lower levels of the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) compared to placentas from individuals without the virus. This enzyme is essential for the virus’s entry into human cells, and the study suggests that the placenta may actively “shed” ACE-2 to prevent the virus from being transmitted to the fetus, as explained by Dr. Sarah Johnson, a co-author of the study.
The research was conducted between July 2020 and April 2021, prior to the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines. However, other studies have indicated that vaccines like those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna not only generate immune responses in pregnant and lactating individuals but also enhance immunity in newborns after birth.
Using placental tissue from two groups—one with healthy pregnancies and no COVID-19 diagnoses and the other with confirmed cases during the second or third trimester—the researchers closely examined ACE-2 levels. The findings could help medical professionals understand how COVID-19 infiltrates cells, given that the placenta functions similarly to the lungs during gestation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the fetus while removing waste products.
In light of these findings, Dr. Johnson referred to the placenta as “one of the few success stories of the pandemic,” highlighting its protective role during this challenging time.
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In summary, recent research indicates that the placenta plays a vital role in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 to unborn infants. This knowledge can provide reassurance to expecting parents navigating the complexities of pregnancy during a pandemic.