Vertical transmission
Vertical transmission is the transmission of an infection or disease from the parent to the offspring. This can occur either during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Vertical transmission is a critical aspect of infectious diseases and genetic disorders.
Types of Vertical Transmission[edit | edit source]
Vertical transmission can be classified into two types: prenatal and postnatal.
Prenatal[edit | edit source]
Prenatal vertical transmission occurs when the mother passes the infection or disease to the fetus during pregnancy. This can happen through the placenta, a temporary organ that connects the mother and fetus, allowing for the exchange of nutrients, waste, and gases.
Postnatal[edit | edit source]
Postnatal vertical transmission occurs after birth, typically through breastfeeding. The mother can pass the infection or disease to the infant through her breast milk.
Diseases Transmitted Vertically[edit | edit source]
Several diseases can be transmitted vertically, including:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): This virus can be transmitted from the mother to the child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
- Hepatitis B Virus (HBV): This virus can be transmitted from the mother to the child during childbirth.
- Zika Virus: This virus can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy.
- Syphilis: This bacterial infection can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Prevention of vertical transmission is crucial to reduce the incidence of these diseases. This can be achieved through:
- Routine screening of pregnant women for these infections.
- Treatment of infected mothers to reduce the risk of transmission.
- Vaccination of infants immediately after birth.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD