About

Mary C. Cambou, MD, PhD, is an infectious disease specialist affiliated with the CARE Center at UCLA Health. She completed her fellowship in Infectious Diseases at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in 2022 and her residency in Internal Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2018. She holds a PhD from the University of California - UCLA, earned in 2024, and an MD from UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, obtained in 2015. Her board certifications include Infectious Disease from the American Board of Internal Medicine, certified in 2022, and Internal Medicine, certified in 2019. Her professional practice is based at the West Los Angeles CARE Center, with hospital affiliations including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, and UCLA West Valley Medical Center.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Biology
• Internal medicine
• Obstetrics
• Immunology
• Pediatrics

Selected publications

• Mechanistic insights into the impact of prenatal viral infections on maternal and offspring immunity

  npj Viruses · 2026-01-28 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Global outbreaks of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and respiratory viruses - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza, accounted for ~50 million infections in 2024. Prenatal exposure to these viruses poses substantial risks to maternal and fetal health, yet the underlying immunological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Despite differences in viral biology and transmission, mounting evidence reveals a convergent theme of maternal immune activation during pregnancy. Even without vertical transmission, virus-elicted maternal immune responses alter the maternal-fetal interface and gut microbiome, reshaping fetal immunity and birth outcomes. These immune perturbations increase susceptibility to infections, neurodevelopmental disorders, and immune-mediated diseases later in life. Here, we discuss viral immune evasion strategies that modulate maternal immunity and review current clinical and emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating long-term consequences in exposed children. Understanding how prenatal viral exposure shapes lifelong health is critical for developing targeted interventions and reducing postnatal disease burden.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Maternal-infant immune signatures in infants at risk for SARS-CoV-2-associated neurodevelopmental disorders

  Communications Biology · 2026-04-21

  articleOpen access

  Maternal immune activation during pregnancy has been associated with abnormal infant neurodevelopment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we enrolled pregnant individuals with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection into a cohort study conducted in Los Angeles, United States, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and monitored their infants for neurodevelopmental outcomes. We reported a ten-fold higher rate of developmental delay in 172 SARS-CoV-2-exposed children (11.6%) compared to 128 pre-pandemic controls (1.6%) and a nearly 2-fold higher frequency of positive screens for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in 218 SARS-CoV-2-exposed (10.1%) children as compared to 527 unexposed control children (5.7%) evaluated through standardized developmental tools. To identify potential biomarkers of SARS-CoV-2-associated risk of abnormal infant neurodevelopment, we evaluated the serum immunoprofiles of a subset of mother-infant dyads from this cohort. Serum proteomics profiling of 34 newborns (27 SARS-CoV-2-exposed and 7 controls) revealed 62 biomarkers dysregulated in SARS-CoV-2-exposed children at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders, including activation of nicotinamide biosynthesis, microglial cells, and neutrophil extravasation. Maternal serum profiling of 51 women (33 SARS-CoV-2-positive and 18 controls) identified 34 biomarkers associated with upregulated apoptosis signaling in COVID-19 affected pregnancies. Our findings suggest prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection is potentially associated with dysregulation of maternal-infant peripheral immunity profiles reportedly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Cultural and Clinical Insights from an Outbreak of Eosinophilic Meningitis Caused by the Rat Lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) in South Brazil

  American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene · 2025-09-18

  article

  Angiostrongylus cantonensis, or rat lungworm, is a neurotropic parasite that causes eosinophilic meningitis. Although classically transmitted through ingestion of contaminated produce or undercooked snails or slugs, ritual ingestion of slugs as part of spiritual ceremonies has not been well described as a transmission route. We report two cases of eosinophilic meningitis in previously healthy adult men in south Brazil who developed subacute neurological symptoms, including progressive lower limb weakness, hyperesthesia, and severe neuropathic pain. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed marked eosinophilia (27-35%) and elevated protein levels. One patient showed subtle leptomeningeal enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Both cases were serologically confirmed by ELISA and western blot for A. cantonensis in CSF. History-taking revealed a shared exposure event: the ingestion of raw slugs during a religious ritual. Both patients were treated with albendazole, ivermectin, and corticosteroids for 2 weeks, as well as gabapentin for neuropathic pain. Both patients demonstrated neurological recovery and were discharged with outpatient follow-up. Both patients had normal CSF parameters within 2 weeks. These cases highlight a culturally linked exposure route for A. cantonensis. Clinicians should consider eosinophilic meningitis in the differential diagnosis of subacute neurological syndromes in endemic areas, particularly when initial diagnoses (e.g., urinary tract infection, gout) do not explain the full clinical picture. Culturally sensitive history-taking and communication, especially when considering communities that are vulnerable to stigma and violence, is critical to help obtain relevant exposure history.

  PublisherDOI

• Repercussions of the COVID- 19 pandemic on maternal and congenital syphilis in South Brazil: a time series analysis 2010-2022

  BMC Infectious Diseases · 2025-04-15 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: The global increase in maternal and congenital syphilis cases over the past decade has been substantial. In south Brazil, preexisting maternal and congenital syphilis epidemics have been worsened since the onset of COVID- 19. We evaluated the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic on the epidemiological trends of maternal and congenital syphilis in Porto Alegre, Brazil. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of hospital records from a large public hospital network, covering the full period of January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2022. Based on historical maternal syphilis and congenital syphilis cases from 2010 to 2019, a Holt-Winters seasonal forecasting model was used to predict maternal syphilis prevalence from 2020 to 2022. A subanalysis of total births, corresponding maternal syphilis prevalence, congenital syphilis cases and infant outcomes was performed for 2017 to 2022 to take a closer look at the years preceding and following the pandemic onset. The diagnoses of maternal and congenital syphilis were determined according to the Brazilian Ministry of Health guidelines. RESULTS: The Holt-Winters model predicted relatively stable maternal syphilis prevalence from 2020 to 2022. In contrast, the observed prevalence at delivery was higher than predicted: in 2021 and 2022, forecasting predicted average yearly prevalences of 8.7% and 8.8%, while observed prevalences were 12.5.% and 10.3%. Total births throughout 2017-2022 remained stable with mild decline in the pandemic period. Total maternal syphilis prevalence did not change from 11.1% in 2019 to 2020. However, the percentage of patients diagnosed with syphilis at delivery increased from 14% in 2019 to 65% in 2020. A statistically significant increase in total maternal syphilis prevalence from 11.1% in 2020 to 14.8% in 2021, p ≤ 0.05 was noted. Congenital syphilis diagnoses decreased from 57 to 24% during the pre-pandemic period and increased to 27% in 2022. The incidence of fetal demise in syphilis-positive patients declined throughout the study period from 14% to 6.9% equating roughly 30 cases per year. CONCLUSION: The COVID- 19 pandemic was a significant setback in recent progress made toward the control of maternal and congenital syphilis in south Brazil. Public health strategies should prioritize reinstatement of interventions for prevention of gestational syphilis.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Update on HIV Chemoprevention

  Annual Review of Medicine · 2025-01-27 · 4 citations

  reviewOpen access

  Despite rapid advances in the field of HIV prevention and treatment, unacceptably high global HIV incidence rates highlight the ongoing need for effective HIV prevention interventions for populations at risk for HIV acquisition. This article provides an updated review of the current data surrounding HIV prevention strategies, including treatment as prevention (TasP), preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), as well as advances in sexually transmitted infection biomedical prevention. This review provides an overview of the multiple PrEP modalities that are available globally, such as oral PrEP, injectable cabotegravir, and the dapivirine vaginal ring, and describes their respective clinical trials, efficacies, and regulatory approvals. We also discuss ongoing research into novel PrEP agents, such as broadly neutralizing antibodies, and efforts toward HIV vaccine development.

  PublisherDOI

• P-141. Socio-Ecological Associations with Detectable Viremia among Pregnant Patients Living With HIV In South Brazil

  Open Forum Infectious Diseases · 2025-01-29

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Background Pregnant patients living with HIV are a priority group for the recruitment to the HIV healthcare cascade as uncontrolled HIV infection can confer an increased risk for adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes and the risk for vertical transmission. Understanding the structural, interpersonal, and individual factors that are associated with detectable HIV viremia is of importance to guide outreach and intervention priorities.Figure 1.HIV prevalence and detectable viremia among pregnant patients delivering at a tertiary healthcare center in south Brazil. Figure 1a. HIV seropositivity among pregnant patients hospitalized for delivery and figure 1b. Rate of detectable viremia by year between 2017 - 2023 Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant patients living with HIV who delivered from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2023, at a tertiary-level hospital and referral institution for HIV care in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Detectable viremia was defined as 200 copies/ml at the time of delivery. The Socio-Ecological framework was used to guide hypothesis testing regarding associations with detectable viremia.Table 1.Demographics and clinical history of pregnant women living with HIV who delivered at Conceição from 2008 – 2018 (n= 549).a. Fisher’s exact tests were conducted if any one cell ≤ 5, otherwise Chi-square tests were used.b. Bipolar personality disorder, cognitive impairment, and other mental health conditions collapsed for analysis.c. The sixteen infant mortalities prior to follow-up completion period were dropped from analysis.*** N too small for statistical analysis. Results In total, 549 patients were included, of whom 110 (20%) were found to have detectable viremia. Significant differences between detectable and undetectable viremia included ages 21 to 29 years (49.1% vs. 39.9%, 0.009), completing less than high school (88.1% vs. 77.6%, p = 0.015), congenital acquisition of HIV infection (14.6 vs. 5.0%, p = 0.003), seroconversion during pregnancy (23.9% vs 14.8%, p = 0.024), lack of prenatal care (20.2% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.001), homelessness (15.8% vs 1.9%, p = 0.001), serodiscordant partner (34.6% vs 47.7%, p= 0.006), infant loss to follow up (20.8% vs 9.1%, p = 0.001), substance use disorder (24.0% vs 6.1%, p = 0.001), crack use (19.5% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.001), and cocaine use (15.7% vs 7.1%, p= 0.001). Multivariable associations included prenatal care (adjusted Risk Ratio [aRR] = 0.20, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] = 0.15 – 0.26), homelessness (aRR = 4.02, 95% CI = 2.74 – 0.26), infant loss to follow up (aRR = 2.23, 95% CI = 1.51 – 3.29), substance use disorder (aRR =3.30, 95% CI = 2.23 – 4.87), lifetime use of crack (aRR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.85 – 4.29), and cocaine (aRR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.17 – 3.06).Table 2.Left: Bivariate associations between socio-ecological factors and detectable HIV viremia. Right: Adjusted risk ratio associations between socio-ecological factors and detectable HIV viremia. All models were adjusted by age, educational level, timing of HIV diagnosis, and maternal HIV infection acquisition route. Model 1: Association of access to prenatal care on detectable viremia Model 2: Association of employment on detectable viremia Model 3: Association of housing status on detectable viremia Model 4: Association of partner serostatus on detectable viremia Model 5: Association of infant LTFU with detectable viremia. Model 6: Association mental health on detectable viremia Model 7: Association of crack on detectable viremia Model 8: Association of cocaine on detectable viremia Conclusion Intervention research should focus on housing and mental health services, with an emphasis on substance use treatment. Further, efforts to increase infant loss to follow-up should be integrated with maternal care as these are the patients with greatest risk. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

  PublisherDOI

• Socio-ecological Determinants of Detectable Viremia among Pregnant People Living with HIV in South Brazil: The Role of Stimulant Use Disorder and Homelessness

  AIDS and Behavior · 2025-02-03

  articleOpen access

  Pregnant patients living with HIV are a priority group for the recruitment into the HIV healthcare cascade to prevent adverse maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Understanding the structural, interpersonal, and individual factors that are associated with detectable HIV viremia is of importance to guide outreach and intervention priorities. This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant patients living with HIV who delivered from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2023, at a tertiary-level hospital and referral institution for HIV care in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The socio-ecological model was used to guide hypothesis testing regarding associations with detectable viremia. In total, 549 patients were included, of whom 110 (20%) were found to have detectable viremia. Significant differences between detectable and undetectable viremia included prenatal care, homelessness, having a sero-different partner, and stimulant use. Multivariable associations included prenatal care (adjusted Risk Ratio [aRR] = 0.20, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] = 0.15-0.26), homelessness (aRR = 4.02, 95% CI = 2.74-0.26), stimulant use disorder (aRR = 3.30, 95% CI = 2.23-4.87), crack use (aRR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.85-4.29), and cocaine use (aRR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.17-3.06). Intervention research should focus on housing and mental health services, and how to mitigate their impact on HIV healthcare. Intervention research is greatly needed as current tools may not be sufficient to tackle the issue of stimulant use disorder and its effects on ART adherence.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

  Elsevier eBooks · 2025-01-01

  book-chapter
  PublisherDOI

• The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Young U.S. Children: A Socioeconomic Analysis

  COVID · 2025-02-10 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare delivery across the United States (U.S.), including childhood vaccine administration. This study analyzed data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a nationally representative survey of the U.S. population, assessing trends and predictors of influenza vaccination uptake among children ≤ 5 years before and amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Influenza vaccination coverage declined significantly, from 56% in 2019 to 46% in 2022 (p < 0.001). Age-specific declines were notable, with rates dropping among one-year-olds from 68% to 53%, two-year-olds from 63% to 49%, and infants from 31% to 24% (p < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed African American children had lower odds of vaccination compared to non-Hispanic White children (OR = 0.70, p < 0.001), while Asian children had higher odds (OR = 1.32, p = 0.018). Uninsured children were less likely to be vaccinated than insured children (OR = 0.71, p = 0.022). Regional analysis showed the Northeast had the highest vaccination rates (60% in 2019, 56% in 2022), while the South had the lowest (52% in 2019, 41% in 2022). These findings underscore the need for targeted strategies to address socioeconomic disparities and improve influenza vaccine uptake in young children in the U.S.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• High HBV seroprotection rates in infants born to people with HIV and HBV infection in sub-Saharan Africa

  Vaccine X · 2025-11-21

  articleOpen access

  There is little data on hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) responses in HIV-exposed, uninfected (HEU) infants born to people living with HIV and hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) (HEU-HBV). We examined anti-HBs titers in infants in a post-hoc analysis of the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 046 trial. Thirty-three infants were tested for anti-HBs at 6 and 12 months. Of these, 84.8 % had a protective response (anti-HBs >10 IU/ml) at 6 months, and 97 % had anti-HBs >10 IU/ml at 12 months. Infants with low birth weight ([LBW] ≤2500 g) had lower median anti-HBs titers at 6 and 12 months (472 IU/mL and 48 IU/mL, respectively) compared to infants without LBW, although this was not statistically significant. Anti-HBs titers at 6 and 12 months in HEU-HBV are similar to those in HIV unexposed, uninfected (HUU) infants.

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• SARS-CoV-2 in Pregnancy: Comparison of Natural Infection and Hybrid Immunity in Mother-Infant Pairs

  NIH · $611k · 2023–2028

Frequent coauthors

• Karin Nielsen‐Saines

  University of California System

  28 shared

• Trevon Fuller

  22 shared

• Eddy R. Segura

  Universidad Científica del Sur

  20 shared

• Emma Swayze

  University of Tennessee Health Science Center

  17 shared

• Lanbo Yang

  Tulane University

  17 shared

• Breno Santos

  Instituto Nacional do Câncer

  10 shared

• Marineide Gonçalves de Melo

  Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste

  10 shared

• Tara Kerin

  University of California, Los Angeles

  10 shared