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]

Vertical transmission Resources
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