Zika virus (ZIKV) can be transmitted vertically from mother to fetus during pregnancy, resulting in a range of outcomes, including severe birth defects and fetal/infant death. Potential pathways of vertical transmission in utero have been proposed but remain undefined. Identifying the timing and routes of vertical transmission of ZIKV may help us identify when interventions would be most effective. Furthermore, understanding what barriers ZIKV overcomes to effect vertical transmission may help improve models for evaluating infection by other pathogens during pregnancy. The images included in this dataset belong to a study that aimed to determine the pathways of vertical transmission using a rhesus macaque model. Pregnant rhesus macaques were inoculated with 10⁴ plaque forming using (PFA) of an African-lineage ZIKV isolate (ZIKV-DAK) at gestational day 30 (term is 165 days). Maternal-fetal interface and gravid uteri were evaluated for ZIKV RNA using in situ hybridization (ISH). The included images are the maternal fetal interface tissues and coronal sections evaluated for ZIKV via ISH, areas were ZIKV RNA was detected have pink/red staining. The pattern of infection observed in the maternal-fetal interface provides evidence of vertical ZIKV transmission through the fetal membranes.

Detection of ZIKV RNA via in situ hybridization was conducted as previously described [Mohr EL et al. Ocular and uteroplacental pathology in a macaque pregnancy with congenital Zika virus infection. PLoS One 2018;13:e0190617]. The ISH probes against the Zika virus genome were purchased commercially (Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Cat No. 468361, Newark, California, USA). Tissue sections were determined to be negative when ZIKV RNA was undetectable by RNAscope ISH, including instances when only a single, obviously non-cellular, focus of staining was observed. Imaging scanes were obtained with an Aperio Digital Pathology Slide Scanner (Leica Biosystems, Deer Park, IL, USA).

This dataset accompanies the manuscript "Vertical transmission of African-lineage Zika virus through the fetal membranes in a rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) model".

The .SVS files require Aperio ImageScope - Pathology Slide viewing software. This software is avialble for free from the Leica biosystems website. This software is only compatable with PCs. The remaining files do not require any specialized software/programs and can be opened with most image viewing software.