Rift Valley fever virus targets the maternal-foetal interface in ovine and human placentas.
Judith OymansPaul J Wichgers SchreurLucien J M van KeulenJet KantJeroen KortekaasPublished in: PLoS neglected tropical diseases (2020)
This study demonstrates that RVFV targets the foetal-maternal interface in both ovine and human placentas. The virus was shown to cross the ovine placental barrier via two distinct routes, ultimately resulting in placental and foetal demise followed by abortion. Our finding that RVFV replicates efficiently in human trophoblasts underscores the risk of RVFV infection for human pregnancy.