Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in the first trimester placenta leading to vertical transmission and fetal demise from an asymptomatic mother

Shende, P.; Gaikwad, P.; Gandhewar, M.; Ukey, P.; Bhide, A.; Patel, V.; Bhagat, S.; Bhor, V.; Mahale, S.; Gajbhiye, R.; Modi, D.

Coronaviruses infect the respiratory tract and are known to survive in these tissues during the clinical course of infection. However, how long can SARS-CoV-2 survive in the tissues is hitherto unknown. Herein, we report a case where the virus is detected in the first trimester placental cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblasts five weeks after the asymptomatic mother cleared the virus from the respiratory tract. This first trimester placental infection was vertically transmitted as the virus was detected in the amniotic fluid and fetal membranes. This congenitally acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with hydrops and fetal demise. This is the first study providing concrete evidences towards persistent tissue infection of SARS-CoV-2, its congenital transmission in early pregnancy leading to intrauterine fetal death.