Covid-19 Vertical Transmission From Mothers to Neonates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 204 Studies Publisher Pubmed



F Movahed FATEMEH ; F Haji Hosseini FARIBA ; A Heidari AFSHIN ; M Dehbozorgi MASOUD ; M Ataei MINA ; F Vahidi FARNAZ ; R Abyaneh ROMINA ; B Bajelan BAHAR ; M Bakhtiyari MAHMOOD ; A Shafiee ARMAN
Source: Journal of Infection and Public Health Published:2025

Abstract

This study estimates the prevalence of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and identifies risk factors for mother-to-neonate transmission. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to May 2024 identified 204 observational studies, out of 28,543 records, that included neonates with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 detection via RT-PCR. The overall vertical transmission rate was 4 % (95 % CI: 4 %–5 %), with notable heterogeneity (I² = 75 %). Transmission varied based on delivery method, income classification, and region, being higher in lower-income areas and cesarean deliveries. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 detection in breast milk was rare. Neonatal SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies were frequently detected, while IgM antibodies were less common. The findings highlight the infrequency of vertical transmission but underline disparities in healthcare practices. Further high-quality studies, especially in low-income regions, are essential for a deeper understanding of vertical transmission dynamics in diverse clinical settings. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.