Antiviral Activities of Amniotic Fluid

Abstract

Because viral infection in pregnancy can be a threat to the developing fetus, the identification and quantification of any protective operating on behalf of the offspring may be important. Human amniotic fluid was assayed for factors influencing viral growth. Such fluid apparently does not contain substances with an interferon-like effect but does contain dialyzable components which will inactivate fibroblast interferon. Amniotic fluids tested did not contain virus neutralizing activity as determined using vesicular stomatitis virus but did contain specific antibodies against herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus.