Mpox in early pregnancy and whether early treatment prevents fetal infection
Vertical transmission, pregnancy outcomes and treatment of Mpox virus infection in a translational pregnant macaque model
This project tests whether mpox in early pregnancy can pass to the fetus and whether early treatment with the antiviral tecovirimat can prevent pregnancy loss in pregnant people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11242074 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses pregnant rhesus macaques to model mpox infection in the first trimester so scientists can watch whether the virus reaches the placenta and fetus. Animals will be infected early in pregnancy and some will receive the antiviral tecovirimat soon after infection while others will not, to compare outcomes. Blood, placental, and fetal tissues will be collected and tested for virus and signs of damage. If patterns match humans, the findings could help doctors decide whether to offer early antiviral treatment during pregnancy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people in the first trimester with confirmed or suspected mpox exposure or infection would be the most relevant group for related clinical studies.
Not a fit: People who are not pregnant or who are infected late in pregnancy may not directly benefit from results focused on early-gestation infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could clarify whether mpox crosses the placenta and whether early tecovirimat treatment reduces fetal infection and pregnancy loss, informing care for pregnant people.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and human reports show some mpox strains can cause fetal loss and tecovirimat is used off-label, but applying early tecovirimat in a first-trimester macaque model is a new approach.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohr, Emma L — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Mohr, Emma L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.