SARS-CoV-2 Placental Infection in an Unvaccinated Mother Resulting in Fetal Demise

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in pregnancy may have devastating complications including fetal demise. Here, we describe a case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a secondtrimester pregnancy. The placenta demonstrated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA along with intervillositis and perivillous fibrin deposition. SARS-CoV-2 directly infects the trophoblastic cells of the placenta through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. This case report details the clinical history of a SARS-CoV-2-infected pregnancy with fetal demise. In addition, we show the images of the placental pathology and SARS-CoV-2 RNA in situ studies.

Automated summary

SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy can lead to severe complications, including fetal demise. This case study highlights the direct infection of trophoblastic cells in the placenta by SARS-CoV-2, as well as demonstrating the presence of viral RNA and placental pathology. This emphasizes the potential risks and implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy.