Infections and Pregnancy: Effects on Maternal and Child Health

Pregnancy causes physiological and immunological adaptations that allow the mother and fetus to communicate with precision in order to promote a healthy pregnancy. At the same time, these adaptations may make pregnant women more susceptible to infections, resulting in a variety of pregnancy complications; those pathogens may also be vertically transmitted to the fetus, resulting in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Even though the placenta has developed a robust microbial defense to restrict vertical microbial transmission, certain microbial pathogens have evolved mechanisms to avoid the placental barrier and cause congenital diseases. Recent mechanistic studies have begun to uncover the striking role of the maternal microbiota in pregnancy outcomes. In this review, we discuss how microbial pathogens overcome the placental barrier to cause congenital diseases. A better understanding of the placental control of fetal infection should provide new insights into future translational research.

Automated summary

Pregnancy brings about physiological and immunological adaptations that enable precise communication between the mother and fetus, promoting a healthy pregnancy. However, these adaptations may also make pregnant women more prone to infections and lead to various pregnancy complications. Certain microbial pathogens have evolved mechanisms to bypass the placental barrier and cause congenital diseases. Recent studies have shed light on the significant role of maternal microbiota in pregnancy outcomes.