Vertical Transmission of Virus Infections-Placenta as Facilitator or Inhibitor

Maternal to child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection has been greatly controlled by administration of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) [1]. We have reported that the sulfatide (3-O-galactosylceramide) promotes rescue of hematopoiesis in vivo [2]. Infection of human parainfluenza virus type 3 (hPIV3) has been shown to be inhibited by sulfatide (HSO3-3galactosylceramide) by other investigators [3]. Thus our earlier discussions on the importance of the different isoforms of and the seemingly differing types of biologically occurring sulfatides, lend credence to our proposed necessity of opposing (bi)directional investigations and their extent of beneficial or deleterious roles [4]. Further such varying functional roles emanating from the placental plasma membranes may well seal the fate of vertical transmission of each type of virus, in the absence of prenatal maternal treatments. This is more so when a temporary or permanent abstinence from sex is not practiced by the parents when aware of the diagnosed infections and thus the nature of virus persistence.