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3. Maternal immune response to pathogens during pregnancy
Despite this association between pregnancy and virus‐induced morbidity, we know little on how pregnancy affects maternal response to viral pathogens and how placental response to virus can influence the disease severity. Pregnant women with Lassa fever had higher mortality rates than did non‐pregnant infected women. This virus replicates at very high levels in the placenta, and the risk of maternal death increases with the length of gestation and hence placental size.
4. Maternal immune response to pathogens during pregnancy
Progressing into gestation does not only increase placental size but modifies significantly maternal body and functions. Delivering the woman significantly improves the mother’s chances of survival. Removal of the infected placenta, interruption of placental effects on the immune system and interruption of pregnancy all act in improving prognosis and respective role of each of these factors is undefined.
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