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Related Subjects: |Herpes Varicella-Zoster (Shingles) Infection |Chickenpox Varicella Infection |Varicella Cerebral Vasculopathy |Herpes Viruses |Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus (HZO) Shingles |MonkeyPox |Mumps |Measles |Rubella (German Measles) |Epstein-Barr Virus infection |Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections |CMV retinitis infections |Toxoplasmosis
Infection | Description and Clinical Implications |
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Toxoplasmosis | Toxoplasmosis is caused by the protozoan *Toxoplasma gondii* and can be acquired from consuming undercooked meat or exposure to infected cat feces. If a pregnant woman contracts toxoplasmosis, the infection can be transmitted to the fetus, leading to severe complications. Common fetal outcomes include microcephaly, hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, convulsions, and mental retardation. Treatment with spiramycin or other medications can be offered if the mother opts to continue the pregnancy. |
Rubella | Rubella infection during the first trimester is particularly concerning due to its association with Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). This can result in congenital heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and ventricular septal defects (VSD), cataracts, microcephaly, hepatosplenomegaly, and other complications like myocarditis and interstitial pneumonia. However, if rubella is contracted later in the third trimester, it is relatively less harmful to the fetus. Learn more about Rubella complications. |
CMV Disease | Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpesvirus, and infection during pregnancy can lead to significant fetal complications. Severe CMV infection is associated with microcephaly, chorioretinitis, intracranial calcifications, and CNS involvement, leading to learning difficulties and developmental delays. Additional complications include haemolytic anaemia and hepatitis. Currently, there is no definitive treatment for CMV during pregnancy. |
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) | Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection during pregnancy can cause abortion, prematurity, or congenital herpes, especially if the infection is acquired late in pregnancy. The risk of transmission to the neonate is higher if the mother has active genital lesions during delivery. Caesarean section is often recommended in such cases to reduce the risk of neonatal infection. Acyclovir treatment in the last four weeks of pregnancy may help reduce the risk of active genital herpes at the time of delivery. Disseminated HSV can cause severe neurological damage in neonates. |
HIV | HIV transmission from mother to fetus typically occurs during the perinatal period. Factors that increase the risk include vaginal delivery, preterm delivery, skin trauma to the fetus, and maternal bleeding. To reduce the risk of transmission, Caesarean section is often recommended, and antiretroviral therapy, including zidovudine, is administered during pregnancy, labour, and to the neonate after birth. |