Pregnancy associated arbovirus infections

Abstract

Arboviruses are transmitted through bites of arthropod vectors. The virus, after replicating at the primary site, enters blood of the host (primary viremia), then it infiltrates reticuloendothelial system (secondary viremia), which is responsible for the symptoms. The common arboviruses associated with fetal abnormalities and neonatal infections are: Zika, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis (JEV), Yellow fever (YFV), West Nile virus (WNV) and Chikungunya. The pathogenesis of arboviruses diseases is related to immune activation, production of inflammatory mediators and direct cell cytotoxicity. The laboratory tests are based on the detection of specific viral antigens, viral genomes and antibodies. Pregnancy associated viral infections produce symptoms ranging from fever, rash, arthralgia, conjunctivitis, paralysis, meningoencephalitis and hemorrhage. Vaccine preventable arboviruses include JEV, YFV and Dengue Virus (vaccine to be commercially available soon). An integrated approach involving health education, vector control, vaccine prophylaxis, good obstetric practices and advanced diagnostic technologies can reduce the global burden of disease.