Assessing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for pregnancy and as possible cause of birth defects

Since December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19 spreads over the globe. Mortality rate is highest among the elderly while people at reproductive age usually experience mild or no symptoms. At current, data on SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy are limited. Whereas infection during late trimester pregnancy seems to occur without adverse events, a recent study reported maternal and neonatal complications if the infection occurs in the early third trimester. Very little is known about maternal and neonatal outcomes after SARS-Cov-2 infection in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Moreover, vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy is still a controversial issue. The aim of this project is to investigate (i) whether vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs during embryogenesis, and (ii) if/how this causes damage to developing embryos. To that end, we will investigate the susceptibility of human oocytes and early embryos to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the possible impact on embryonic development in vitro. In addition we will study vertical transmission and consequences of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on embryogenesis in a hamster model in vivo. In the hamster model we will also estimate protection from vertical transmission by vaccination or passive serum transfer.