Immunohistochemical localization of human immunodeficiency virus p24 antigen in placental tissue.
As human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection spreads into the heterosexual population, perinatally acquired HIV infection will increase in incidence, and knowledge of the mechanism of this transfer is important. We have used immunoperoxidase techniques to detect HIV p24 antigen in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded placental tissue from nine known HIV serologically positive mothers. In four of these cases we have detected evidence or viral antigen in placental Hofbauer cells, vascular endothelium, or intermediate trophoblast. The implications for understanding the mode of transfer of infection to the fetus are discussed.
Martin
A W
AW
Department of Pathology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY 40292.
Brady
K
K
Smith
S I
SI
DeCoste
D
D
Page
D V
DV
Malpica
A
A
Wolf
B
B
Neiman
R S
RS
D005260:Female; D016655:HIV Core Protein p24 / Q000032:analysis*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D010920:Placenta / Q000382:microbiology*; D011247:Pregnancy
D016655:HIV Core Protein p24