249 - Novel Tick-Borne Pathogen Candidatus Midichloriaceae Causing First Trimester Pregnancy Loss

Thursday, March 6, 2025

9:10 AM – 9:20 AM AST

Location: 209

Abstract: Candidatus Midichloriaceae is a tickborne bacteria that has rarely been associated with human infection. We present a case of a previously healthy 26-year-old female resident of Middle Tennessee who experienced a first trimester pregnancy loss. She reported multiple tick bites in the preceding month. The products of conception revealed a pattern of marked acute villitis with large intravillous abscesses.. Electron microscopy detected intracellular bacteria in the chorionic villi. 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the placenta identified Candidatus Midichloriaceae. This is the first documented human infection in the United States by this organism as well as the first reported case associated with early pregnancy loss. As such, there are important epidemiological and maternofetal health implications.

Co-Author(s)

JN

John Newman, MD

Vanderbilt Universityl Medical Center, Tennessee, United States
CH

Caitlin Hughes, MD

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Tennessee, United States
KB

Karen Bloch, MD, MPH, FIDSA

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Tennessee, United States
KD

Khalil Deveaux, BS

University of Washington, Washington, United States
TT

Thao Truong, PhD, D(ABMM), M(ASCP)CM

University of Washington, Washington, United States
BN

Behzad Naiafian, MD

University of Washington, Tennessee, United States

Presenter(s)

Abelardo Moncayo, PhD

Director
Tennessee Department of Health, Tennessee, United States

Co-Author(s)

LT

Lili Tao, MD, PhD, D(ABMM)

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Tennessee, United States
JL

Joshua Lieberman, MD

University of Washington, Washington, United States
HC

Hernán Correa, MD

Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Tennessee, United States