Fetal and maternal white cells and B and T-lymphocyte subpopulations in pregnant women with recent infection

Objective: To study maternal and fetal white cell counts, B- and T-lymphocy te subpopulations in pregnant women with evidence of recent infection. Meth ods: Thirtyseven pregnant women with recent infection and 38 controls were studied. All were referred for fetal blood sampling to exclude congenital i nfection, or to perform fetal chromosome analysis. There were 16 infected f etuses: 9 cytomegalovirus (CMV), 4 rubella, and 3 toxoplasmosis. Maternal a nd fetal blood was taken and white cell counts, the percentage of CD3+, CD4 +, CD8+, CD56+, HLADR+CD3+ T-lymphocyte subpopulations and CD19+ B lymphocy tes were measured. Results: The percentage of CD3+, CD8+, and HLADR+CD3+ ly mphocytes were significantly higher in infected mothers compared to control s, while CD19+ and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio were lower. Infected mothers carryin g infected fetuses had significantly lower white blood cell counts compared to those infected mothers without fetal infection. The percentage of HLADR +CD3+ T lymphocytes was significantly higher and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio lower in infected fetuses compared to controls and noninfected fetuses of infecte d mothers. Abnormal CD4+/CD8+ ratios and/or increased HLADR+CT3+ T lymphocy tes were found in 8 of 10 fetuses with structural abnormalities and/or hema tological/biochemical signs of systemic damage, and in 7 of 27 without (RR = 3.1, 95% Cl = 1.5-6.3). Conclusion: Both infected fetuses and their mothe rs have significant identifiable changes in white cell counts and T-lymphoc yte subpopulations compared to controls. These tests may help in diagnosing maternal and fetal infection. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.