Vertical Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: What is the Optimal Definition?
Dean A. Blumberg, Mark A. Underwood, Herman L. Hedriana, Satyan Lakshminrusimha
Abstract
Alzamora et al recently described an interesting report of a neonate born to a mother with severe novel coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) by cesarean section. The infant tested positive for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) 16 hours after delivery.[1] During the period of limited 5-day follow-up, this baby did not show an increased antibody titer (immunoglobulin [Ig]-M or IgG). Similar positive cases of suspected neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first 2 postnatal days have been reported.[2] While these patients appear to have acquired infection either by intrauterine or intrapartum transmission, establishment of clear definitions for such transmission is warranted ([Fig. 1]).