Human cytomegalovirus infection and abortion: an immunohistochemical study.
BACKGROUND
Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been described in abortion tissues, but seldom associated with inclusion bodies. However, the possible pathogenic role of this virus in abortion is under discussion. We attempted to verify the relationship between HCMV antigens in tissues from first trimester abortions presenting with inflammatory lesions.


METHODS
Sixteen cases of first trimester abortions with inflammatory lesions were selected from 340 cases studied at the Pathology Unit of the University Hospital in Vit ria, Esp rito Santo State, Brazil. Paraffin-embedded sections were subjected to indirect immunofluorescence (IFI) and immunoperoxidase (PAP), using monoclonal antibodies directed against immediate early (IEA) and late antigens (LA) of HCMV.


RESULTS
Twelve out of sixteen cases (75%) presented at least one HCMV antigen. Eight cases presented both antigens, three cases only the IEA and one case only the LA. These antigens were present in decidual cells, in stromal cells of chorionic villi and in trophoblastic cells.


CONCLUSIONS
The results showed high frequency of HCMV antigens in tissues from first trimester abortion. This frequency, higher than that previously reported, was probably due to the fact that necro-inflammatory lesions were always present in selected cases. The presence of LA in trophoblastic cells is evidence for cell permissiveness to viral replication in vivo. The results showing high presence of HCMV antigens in tissues from abortion with inflammatory lesions suggest a possible relationship of HCMV infection with inflammation and pregnancy loss.
Spano
Liliana Cruz
LC
Departamento de Patologia e Núcleo de Doen as Infecciosas. CBM-UFES. Vitória, ES, Brazil. lspano.vix@terra.com.br
Lima Pereira
Fausto Edmundo
FE
Gomes da Silva Basso
Nádia
N
Mercon-de-Vargas
Paulo Roberto
PR
D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000956:Antigens, Viral