Expresión de ACE2 en cerebro durante el desarrollo y susceptibilidad de infección cerebral por SARS-COV-2 / ACE2 expression in the brain during development and susceptibility to brain infection by SARS-COV-2

Resumen La pandemia COVID-19 se extendió por todo por a la enorme capacidad del coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 para transmitirse entre humanos. El COVID-19 es una amenaza para la salud pública mundial. La entrada de este virus en las células se ve muy facilitada por la presencia de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 (ACE2) en la membrana celular. Hoy en día no tenemos un conocimiento preciso de cómo se expresa este receptor en el cerebro durante el desarrollo humano y, como consecuencia, no sabemos si las células neurales en desarrollo son susceptibles de ser infectadas a través de la transmisión de madre a feto. Revisamos en este artículo los conocimientos sobre la expresión de ACE2 en el cerebro humano en desarrollo, con especial atención a la etapa fetal. Esta etapa corresponde al periodo de formación de la corteza cerebral. La posibilidad de infección por SARS-CoV-2 durante el periodo fetal puede alterar el desarrollo normal de la corteza cerebral. Así pues, aunque se han publicado pocos casos demostrando la transmisión vertical de la infección por SARS-CoV-2, el gran número de jóvenes infectados puede representar un problema sanitario que necesite seguimiento, por la posibilidad de que se originen alteraciones cognitivas y anomalías en el desarrollo de los circuitos corticales, que pueden representar predisposición a padecer problemas mentales a lo largo de la vida.

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world due to the enormous transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 among humans. COVID-19 represents a threat to global public health. The entry of this virus into cells is greatly facilitated by the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the cell membrane. Today we do not have a precise understanding of how this receptor expresses in the brain during human development and, as a consequence, we do not know whether neural cells in the developing brain are susceptible to infection. We review the knowledge about ACE2 expression in the developing human brain, with special attention to the fetal stage. This stage corresponds to the period of the cerebral cortex formation. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 infection during the fetal period may alter the normal development of the cerebral cortex. Although few cases have been published demonstrating vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the large number of infected young people may represent a problem which requires health surveillance, due to the possibility of cognitive alterations and abnormalities in the development of cortical circuits that may represent a predisposition to mental problems later in life.

[ACE2 expression in the brain during development and susceptibility to brain infection by SARS-CoV-2]. / Expresión de ACE2 en cerebro durante el desarrollo y susceptibilidad de infección cerebral por SARS-CoV-2.

The COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world due to the enormous transmission of the SARSCoV-2 among humans. COVID-19 represents a threat to global public health. The entry of this virus into cells is greatly facilitated by the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the cell membrane. Today we do not have a precise understanding of how this receptor expresses in the brain during human development and, as a consequence, we do not know whether neural cells in the developing brain are susceptible to infection. We review the knowledge about ACE2 expression in the developing human brain, with special attention to the fetal stage. This stage corresponds to the period of the cerebral cortex formation. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 infection during the fetal period may alter the normal development of the cerebral cortex. Although few cases have been published demonstrating vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the large number of infected young people may represent a problem which requires health surveillance, due to the possibility of cognitive alterations and abnormalities in the development of cortical circuits that may represent a predisposition to mental problems later in life.

La pandemia COVID-19 se extendió por todo por a la enorme capacidad del coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 para transmitirse entre humanos. El COVID-19 es una amenaza para la salud pública mundial. La entrada de este virus en las células se ve muy facilitada por la presencia de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 (ACE2) en la membrana celular. Hoy en día no tenemos un conocimiento preciso de cómo se expresa este receptor en el cerebro durante el desarrollo humano y, como consecuencia, no sabemos si las células neurales en desarrollo son susceptibles de ser infectadas a través de la transmisión de madre a feto. Revisamos en este artículo los conocimientos sobre la expresión de ACE2 en el cerebro humano en desarrollo, con especial atención a la etapa fetal. Esta etapa corresponde al periodo de formación de la corteza cerebral. La posibilidad de infección por SARS-CoV-2 durante el periodo fetal puede alterar el desarrollo normal de la corteza cerebral. Así pues, aunque se han publicado pocos casos demostrando la transmisión vertical de la infección por SARS-CoV-2, el gran número de jóvenes infectados puede representar un problema sanitario que necesite seguimiento, por la posibilidad de que se originen alteraciones cognitivas y anomalías en el desarrollo de los circuitos corticales, que pueden representar predisposición a padecer problemas mentales a lo largo de la vida.

Condução da toxoplasmose gestacional / Management of gestational toxoplasmosis

A toxoplasmose é uma doença proveniente do Toxoplasma gondii, um protozoário que tem os felinos como seu hospedeiro definitivo e os mamíferos e aves como seu hospedeiro intermediário. Tem um curso benigno e autolimitado quando acomete um indivíduo imunocompetente, no entanto a infecção durante a gestação acarreta até 50% de chance de toxoplasmose congênita, podendo causar danos severos ao feto. A virulência dos genótipos encontrados nas Américas Central e do Sul é a mais alta, comparada a Europa e América do Norte, tendo a doença um comportamento mais agressivo. Os estudos relatam a diminuição da infecção fetal em até 60% com o uso da espiramicina, usada ainda na profilaxia. Este artigo discute sobre a triagem materna pré-natal e sua necessidade, a profilaxia e o tratamento da infecção fetal ainda intraútero, com o objetivo de diminuir a transmissão vertical e as sequelas neonatais com suas implicações ao longo da vida.(AU)

Toxoplasmosis it is a disease originating from Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan that has felines at as ultimate host and mammals and birds at as intermediate host. Has a benign and self-limiting course when affects immunocompetent individual, however, infection during pregnancy leads 50% chance of congenital toxoplasmosis and can cause severe damage to the fetus. The virulence of genotypes found in Central and South America is the highest compared to Europe and North America, having the disease a more aggressive behavior. Studies report a reduction in fetal infection 60% with the use spiramycin still used for prophylaxis. This article discusses prenatal maternal screening, prophylaxis and treatment of fetal infection still in utero with the objective of decreasing vertical transmission and neonatal sequelae with their lifelong implications.(AU)

Follow-up of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy: ten-year experience in a University hospital in southern Brazil / Acompanhamento da toxoplasmose durante a gravidez: uma década de experiência em um hospital universitário no Sul do Brasil

Abstract Objective To describe a population of pregnant women diagnosed with toxoplasmosis and their respective newborns, describing the hospital protocol for treatment and follow-up. Methods Retrospective cohort of pregnant women with acute toxoplasmosis infection and risk of transplacental transmission who were sent to the Fetal Medicine Group of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) between - January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2016. All patients with confirmed disease were included. The diagnostic protocol and treatment were applied; a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the amniotic fluid was used to diagnose toxoplasmosis and determine the treatment. The newborns were followed up at the pediatric outpatient clinic specializing in congenital infection. The patients who were not followed up or were not born in the HCPA were excluded. Results A total of 65 patients were confirmed to have gestational toxoplasmosis; 40 performed amniocentesis, and 6 (15%) were identified as having positive PCR in the amniotic fluid. In five of those cases, this result associated with the gestational age defined the triple therapy during pregnancy, and in one case, it defined the monotherapy (advanced gestational age). A total of 4 of these newborns were treated from birth with triple therapy for 10months, 1 was not treated (due to maternal refusal), and 1 progressed to death within the first 54 hours of life due to complications of congenital toxoplasmosis. Of the 34 remaining cases with a negative PCR, 33 were treated with monotherapy and 1 was treated with triple therapy (ultrasound findings); of these children, 9 (26.5%) presented negative immunoglobulin G (IgG), 24 (70.6%) presented positive IgG (but none presented positive immunoglobulin M [IgM]), and 1 (2,9%) presented alterations compatible with congenital disease and started treatment with the triple therapy soon after birth. Out of the total sample of 60 patients, among the 25 who did not perform amniotic fluid PCR, 5 were treated with triple therapy (ultrasound findings/prior treatment) and 20 patients were submitted to monotherapy; only two newborns underwent treatment for congenital toxoplasmosis. Among the 65 cases of gestational toxoplasmosis, 6 (9,2%) children had a diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, and 2 patients with triple therapy felt severe adverse effects of the medications. Conclusions The present study suggests that research on PCR screening of the amniotic fluid may be useful to identify patients with a higher potential for fetal complications, who may benefit from the poly-antimicrobial treatment. Patients with negative PCR results must continue to prevent fetal infection with monotherapy, without risk of fetal or maternal impairment.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever uma população de pacientes diagnosticadas com toxoplasmose na gestação e seus respectivos recém-nascidos, relatando o protocolo do hospital durante o tratamento e seguimento. Métodos Coorte retrospectiva de gestantes com infecção aguda por toxoplasmose e risco de transmissão transplacentária, encaminhadas para acompanhamento pelo Grupo deMedicina Fetal doHospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA) entre 1o de janeiro de 2006 e 31 de dezembro de 2016. Todas as pacientes comdoença confirmada foram incluídas. O protocolo de diagnóstico e tratamento foi aplicado; uma análise da reação em cadeia da polimerase (RCP) no líquido amniótico foi utilizada para diagnosticar a toxoplasmose e determinar o tratamento. Os recém-nascidos foram acompanhados no ambulatório de pediatria especializadoeminfecções congênitas. Pacientes que não foramseguidas ou cujo parto não foi feito no hospital foram excluídas. Resultados A toxoplasmose gestacional foi confirmada em 65 pacientes; 40 realizaram amniocentese, e 6 (15%) foram identificadas com RCP positiva no líquido amniótico. Este resultado associado à idade gestacional definiu a terapia tríplice durante a gestação em 5 casos, e a monoterapia em 1 caso (por idade gestacional avançada). Quatro destas crianças foram tratadas desde o nascimento com terapia tríplice por 12 meses, 1 não foi tratada (por recusa materna), e 1 evoluiu com óbito dentro das primeiras 54 horas de vida devido a complicações da toxoplasmose congênita. Dos 34 casos remanescentes com RCP negativa, 33 foram tratados com monoterapia, e 1 foi tratado com terapia tríplice (por achados ultrassonográficos); destes recém-nascidos, 9 (26,5%) tiveram imunoglobulina G (IgG) negativa, 24 (70,6%) tiveram IgG positiva, mas nenhum apresentou imunoglobulina M (IgM) positiva, e 1 (2,9%) apresentou alterações compatíveis comdoença congênita e iniciou a terapia tríplice logo após o nascimento. Entre as 25 pacientes que não fizeram RCP no líquido amniótico, 5 foram tratadas com terapia tríplice (por achados ultrassonográficos/ tratamento prévio) e 20 receberam monoterapia; somente 2 recém-nascidos receberam tratamento para toxoplasmose congênita. Entre os 65 casos de toxoplasmose gestacional, 6 (9,2%) recém-nascidos tiveram o diagnóstico de toxoplasmose congênita. Um total de 2 pacientes submetidas à terapia tríplice apresentaram efeitos adversos severos das medicações utilizadas. Conclusão Este estudo sugere que a triagem da RCP para toxoplasmose do líquido amniótico pode ser útil no rastreamento de pacientes com maior potencial para complicações fetais, que podem se beneficiar do tratamento poli antimicrobiano. Pacientes com RCP negativa devem continuar a prevenir a infecção fetal com monoterapia, sem risco de comprometimento fetal ou materno.

General movements and motor outcomes in two infants exposed to Zika virus: brief report.

OBJECTIVE: We described the general movements (GMs) in the fidgety period and the motor performance of two infants who were exposed to Zika virus (ZIKV) during distinct trimesters of gestation. METHODS: Infants were assessed at 4 and 12 months of age. Prechtl's GM assessment and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale were used. RESULTS: In Case 1, the mother presented confirmed ZIKV infection in the 10th week of gestation and the infant was born full-term with brain abnormalities and microcephaly. Fidgety movements were absent at 16 weeks after term and motor development was severely impaired at 12 months of age. In Case 2, the mother presented confirmed ZIKV infection in the 34th week of gestation and the infant was born full-term with no signs of brain changes or microcephaly. Fidgety movements at 13 weeks were normal in presentation and motor outcome was typical at 12 months. CONCLUSION: GM assessment can be useful for ZIKV-exposed infants. These findings represent the first information on GMs and long-term motor outcomes in ZIKV-exposed infants.

Fetal Brain Infection Is Not a Unique Characteristic of Brazilian Zika Viruses.

The recent emergence of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil was associated with an increased number of fetal brain infections that resulted in a spectrum of congenital neurological complications known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Herein, we generated de novo from sequence data an early Asian lineage ZIKV isolate (ZIKV-MY; Malaysia, 1966) not associated with microcephaly and compared the in vitro replication kinetics and fetal brain infection in interferon α/ß receptor 1 knockout (IFNAR1-/-) dams of this isolate and of a Brazilian isolate (ZIKV-Natal; Natal, 2015) unequivocally associated with microcephaly. The replication efficiencies of ZIKV-MY and ZIKV-Natal in A549 and Vero cells were similar, while ZIKV-MY replicated more efficiently in wild-type (WT) and IFNAR-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Viremias in IFNAR1-/- dams were similar after infection with ZIKV-MY or ZIKV-Natal, and importantly, infection of fetal brains was also not significantly different. Thus, fetal brain infection does not appear to be a unique feature of Brazilian ZIKV isolates.

Placental Inflammation and Fetal Injury in a Rare Zika Case Associated With Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Abortion.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging virus involved in recent outbreaks in Brazil. The association between the virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) or congenital disorders has raised a worldwide concern. In this work, we investigated a rare Zika case, which was associated with GBS and spontaneous retained abortion. Using specific anti-ZIKV staining, the virus was identified in placenta (mainly in Hofbauer cells) and in several fetal tissues, such as brain, lungs, kidneys, skin and liver. Histological analyses of the placenta and fetal organs revealed different types of tissue abnormalities, which included inflammation, hemorrhage, edema and necrosis in placenta, as well as tissue disorganization in the fetus. Increased cellularity (Hofbauer cells and TCD8+ lymphocytes), expression of local pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ and TNF-α, and other markers, such as RANTES/CCL5 and VEGFR2, supported placental inflammation and dysfunction. The commitment of the maternal-fetal link in association with fetal damage gave rise to a discussion regarding the influence of the maternal immunity toward the fetal development. Findings presented in this work may help understanding the ZIKV immunopathogenesis under the rare contexts of spontaneous abortions in association with GBS.

Infección por virus del Zika en el embarazo, impacto fetal y neonatal / Zika virus infection in pregnancy, fetal and neonatal impact

Zika virus (ZV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus. The neurotropic profile of this virus is known since 1952. The main finding related to ZV in America is microcephaly. Two hypotheses are tested on its involvement in the central nervous system: its neurotropic feature and the direct effect of ZV on the placenta. Malformations and clinical findings on fetal development comprise congenital Zika syndrome. RT-PCR and serology (IgM) are useful for definitive diagnosis. However, we should keep in mind first that the viremia in pregnant women can stay for a longer period of time, and second, a positive IgM for Zika should be properly interpreted in an endemic area to other flavivirus. It is suggested to be part of TORCHS-Z complex the ZV infection in endemic areas.

El virus del Zika (VZ), arbovirus, es transmitido por Aedes aegypti y A. albopictus. Desde 1952 se conoce su perfil neurotrópico. El principal hallazgo relacionado con la infección en las Américas, es la microcefalia. Dos hipótesis se plantean sobre su afectación en el sistema nervioso central: su característica neurotrópica per se, y el efecto directo del virus sobre la placenta. Las malformaciones y hallazgos clínicos sobre el desarrollo fetal conforman el síndrome de Zika congénito. La reacción de polimerasa en cadena-transcriptasa reversa (RPC-TR) y serología (IgM) son útiles para el diagnóstico definitivo; sin embargo, debe tenerse en cuenta, primero, que la viremia en las mujeres embarazadas puede permanecer por un período más prolongado y segundo, que una IgM positiva para Zika, debe ser adecuadamente interpretada en un medio endémico para otros flavivirus. Se propone a la infección por el VZ, en zonas endémicas, como parte del complejo TORCHS-Z.

Nonprimary Cytomegalovirus Fetal Infection / Infeção fetal não primária por citomegalovírus

Abstract Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common congenital viral infection, causing hearing, visual and psychomotor impairment. Preexisting maternal CMV immunity substantially reduces, but not eliminates, the risk of fetal infection and affectation. This article is about a case of nonprimary maternal CMV infection during pregnancy, with vertical transmission, resulting in severe fetal affectation. Preconceptional analysis indicated maternal CMV past infection. Pregnancy progressed uneventfully until the 20th week ultrasound (US), which revealed cerebral abnormalities: thin and hyperechogenic cerebral cortex with prominent lateral ventricles, bilateral periventricular hyperechogenicities, cerebellar vermis hypoplasia and absent corpus callosum. The MRI suggested these findings were compatible with congenital infection rather than primary brain malformation. The fetal karyotype was normal. The title of CMV's IgG antibodies almost tripled. Since the first semester,analysisof the polymerasechainreaction(PCR)forCMVDNAintheamniotic fluid was negative. The pregnancy was terminatedat 23weeks. Neuropathologicalfindings at autopsy showed severe brain lesions associated with CMV infection.

Resumo O citomegalovírus (CMV) é a infeção viral congénita que mais comumente causa deficiência auditiva, visual e psicomotora. A preexistência de imunidade materna reduz substancialmente, mas não elimina, o risco de infeção e afetação fetal. Trata-se de um caso de infeção materna não primária por CMV durante a gravidez, com transmissão vertical, resultando em afetação fetal severa. As análises preconcepção indicavam infecção passada por CMV. A gravidez decorreu sem intercorrências até a ecografia efetuada na 20ª semana, que revelou alterações cerebrais: córtex cerebral fino e hiperecogénico com ventrículos laterais proeminentes, hiperecogenecidades periventriculares bilaterais, hipoplasia do vérmis cerebeloso e ausência de corpo caloso. A ressonância magnética sugeriu que estes achados eram mais favoráveis a uma infeção congénita do que com uma malformação cerebral primária. O cariótipo fetal era normal. O título de anticorpos IgG para CMV havia triplicado desde a dosagem do primeiro trimestre. O PCR para o DNA do CMV no líquido amniótico foi negativo. A gravidez foi interrompida na 23ª semana. Os achados neuropatológicos na autópsia mostraram lesões cerebrais severas associadas a infeção por CMV.