What Organisms Can Cross The Placenta?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Maternal infections caused by most organisms which can cross the placenta (including

rubella, mumps, poliomyelitis, smallpox, rubeola, syphilis, malaria

, toxoplasmosis, and infections caused by S typhosa, V fetus, L monocytogenes, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus) may result in abortion or stillbirth.

Which parasites can cross placenta?

Microparasites that can infect and cross the placenta include viruses

(e.g. Cytomegalovirus, HIV)

, protozoa (e.g. Toxoplasma, Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Plasmodium), and bacteria (e.g. Treponema, Brucella, Listeria) [14–17].

Can bacteria cross placenta?

Bacterial or viral infection of the mother

during the course of pregnancy can cross the placenta

and actively infect the fetus. However, especially for bacteria, it is more common for mothers to experience an infection that can be treated without overt fetal infection.

How do pathogens cross the placenta?

Infectious agents can reach the placenta either

via maternal blood or by ascending the genital tract

.

What substances Cannot pass through the placenta?

Whether a substance may pass through the placenta between mother and fetus depends on its molecular size, shape, and charge. The substances not likely to pass in significant amounts include

bacteria, heparin, sIgA, and IgM

. Most antigens are small whereas IgM is a large molecule.

Can worms affect my unborn baby?

Threadworm infection during pregnancy is not known to put

your unborn baby

at any risk. Pregnant women may be able to avoid taking medicines to treat

threadworms

by using strict hygiene measures to clear themselves.

Threadworms

already in the bowel die within approximately six weeks.

Can parasites cross placenta?


Toxoplasma gondii

is a ubiquitous, obligate intracellular parasite capable of crossing the placenta to cause spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, or significant disease in the surviving neonate.

What is the role of placenta during pregnancy?

The placenta is an organ that develops in your uterus during pregnancy. This structure

provides oxygen and nutrients to your growing baby and removes waste products from your baby’s blood

. The placenta attaches to the wall of your uterus, and your baby’s umbilical cord arises from it.

How does the placenta protect the fetus from infection?

It keeps the mother’s blood separate from the baby’s blood to protect the baby against infections. Towards the end of the pregnancy, the

placenta passes on antibodies

to protect the baby after birth. Alcohol, nicotine and other drugs and medicines can cross the placenta and damage your baby.

What diseases can be passed from mother to baby?

Some STIs, such as syphilis, cross the placenta and infect the baby in the womb. Other STIs, like

gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and genital herpes

, can pass from the mother to the baby as the baby passes through the birth canal. HIV can cross the placenta during pregnancy and infect the baby during delivery.

What infections pass through placenta?

Maternal infections caused by most organisms which can cross the placenta (including

rubella, mumps, poliomyelitis, smallpox, rubeola, syphilis, malaria, toxoplasmosis

, and infections caused by S typhosa, V fetus, L monocytogenes, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus) may result in abortion or stillbirth.

Can E coli cross placenta?

Third,

the fetus may be directly infected through the placenta or membranes

, with the organisms damaging a vital organ such as the lung, heart, or brain, e.g. fetal pneumonia associated with Escherichia coli.

What are the placental hormones?

Placental hormones include members of

the prolactin and growth hormone family, steroid hormones and neuroactive hormones

. The function of these hormones in driving physiological changes during pregnancy has been assessed in two main ways.

What drugs pass through the placenta?

  • Propofol.
  • Thiopental.
  • Ketamine.
  • Fentanyl at < 1 ucg/kg.
  • Epidural opiates (fentanyl, sufentanil)

Which trimester does the baby grow the most?


The second trimester

is a time of rapid growth for your baby (called a fetus). Most of the brain’s development begins now and will continue after your baby’s birth.

What is the name of the fluid that helps to protect the fetus?

Amniotic sac.

A thin-walled sac that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. The sac is filled with liquid made by the fetus (

amniotic fluid

) and the membrane that covers the fetal side of the placenta (amnion). This protects the fetus from injury. it also helps to regulate the temperature of the fetus.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.