The section on viral infections discusses rubella and parvovirus, cytomegalovirus, varicella, hepatitis, influenza and zika infection.
| Viral infection | Aetiology | Implications in pregnancy | Diagnostic test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubella | Rubella virus | Sensorineural deafness, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, growth hormone deficiency, vascular effects, encephalitis | Serological tests for IgG-specific antibodies |
| Parvovirus | Human parvovirus B19 | Fetal anaemia | Serological tests for specific antibodies |
| CMV | Cytomegalovirus | Miscarriage, congenital CMV infection | Serological tests for specific antibodies |
| Varicella | Varicella-zoster virus | Severe maternal morbidity and mortality, fetal varicella syndrome | Serological tests for specific antibodies |
| Hepatitis | Hepatitis B/C virus | Neonatal hepatitis | Serological tests for specific antibodies |
| Influenza | Influenza virus (A, B and C) | Severe maternal morbidity and mortality, preterm labour, low birthweight | Serological tests for specific antibodies |
| Zika | Zika virus | Probable association with congenital microcephaly | PCR testing of blood during the symptomatic period |
| COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2) | Sarbecovirus | Currently no data suggesting an increased risk of miscarriage or early pregnancy loss in relation to COVID-19 | Detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in human whole blood, serum and plasma. |
The following review article provides a good overview to the diagnosis and management of cytomegalovirus, human parvovirus B19, toxoplasma Gondi, rubella and varicella-zoster virus.
