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Is preeclampsia an infectious disease?
L I Trogstad1, A Eskild, A L Bruu
1Department of Population Health, National Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway. lill.trogstad@folkehelsa.no
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|November 13, 2001
Summary
Women seronegative for common viral infections may face higher preeclampsia risk. This suggests primary infections during pregnancy could be a key factor in preeclampsia development, warranting further research into microbial causes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Paternal factors are implicated in preeclampsia etiology.
- Primary viral infections in pregnancy may increase preeclampsia risk.
- Investigating seronegativity to transmissible agents is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of seronegativity for specific viruses on preeclampsia risk.
- To explore the role of primary infections in preeclampsia development.
- To evaluate viral agents transmitted via close contact.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 978 pregnant women analyzed for IgG antibodies.
- Assessed antibodies against herpes simplex virus type-2, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus.
- Compared antibody status against Toxoplasma gondii and linked to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway.
Main Results:
- 33 (3%) women developed preeclampsia.
- Seronegativity for studied viruses correlated with increased preeclampsia risk.
- No similar pattern observed for Toxoplasma gondii seronegativity.
Conclusions:
- Seronegativity to viral agents transmitted by close contact appears linked to higher preeclampsia risk.
- Primary infections during pregnancy may be a significant risk factor.
- This suggests a potential new avenue for preeclampsia research focusing on microbial causes.