Treatment of infections during pregnancy: Progress and challenges

Abstract

Background: Emergence of Zika virus as a pathogen with important implications for perinatal outcomes highlights the need to identify safe and effective strategies for prevention and treatment of maternal infections. Methods: While substantial progress has been made in this area in recent years, significant regulatory and health systems barriers must still be overcome to identify and deliver evidence-based drug therapies for pregnant women. Results: We review progress and outstanding challenges associated with the identification and implementation of new treatment options for maternal infections. Conclusion: We describe several strategies in use to optimize the application of existing evidence.