< Back to previous page
Project
Assessing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for pregnancy and as possible cause of birth defects (FWOAL985)
Since December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 spreads
over the globe. Mortality rate is highest among the elderly while
people at reproductive age usually experience mild or no symptoms.
At current, data on SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy are
limited. Whereas infection during late trimester pregnancy seems to
occur without adverse events, a recent study reported maternal and
neonatal complications if the infection occurs in the early third
trimester. Very little is known about maternal and neonatal outcomes
after SARS-Cov-2 infection in the first and second trimester of
pregnancy. Moreover, vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during
pregnancy is still a controversial issue. The aim of this project is to
investigate (i) whether vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs
during embryogenesis, and (ii) if/how this causes damage to
developing embryos. To that end, we will investigate the susceptibility
of human oocytes and early embryos to SARS-CoV-2 infection and
the possible impact on embryonic development in vitro. In addition
we will study vertical transmission and consequences of maternal
SARS-CoV-2 infection on embryogenesis in a hamster model in vivo.
In the hamster model we will also estimate protection from vertical
transmission by vaccination or passive serum transfer.
over the globe. Mortality rate is highest among the elderly while
people at reproductive age usually experience mild or no symptoms.
At current, data on SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy are
limited. Whereas infection during late trimester pregnancy seems to
occur without adverse events, a recent study reported maternal and
neonatal complications if the infection occurs in the early third
trimester. Very little is known about maternal and neonatal outcomes
after SARS-Cov-2 infection in the first and second trimester of
pregnancy. Moreover, vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during
pregnancy is still a controversial issue. The aim of this project is to
investigate (i) whether vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs
during embryogenesis, and (ii) if/how this causes damage to
developing embryos. To that end, we will investigate the susceptibility
of human oocytes and early embryos to SARS-CoV-2 infection and
the possible impact on embryonic development in vitro. In addition
we will study vertical transmission and consequences of maternal
SARS-CoV-2 infection on embryogenesis in a hamster model in vivo.
In the hamster model we will also estimate protection from vertical
transmission by vaccination or passive serum transfer.
Date:1 Nov 2020 → 31 Oct 2021
Keywords:Sars-Cov-2 infection, Vertical transmission, Pregnancy, Embryogenesis, Congenital malformations
Disciplines:Developmental biology, Embryology, Virology