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[Prenatal virus infections and orofacial clefts]
A Molnárová1, M Brozman, I Schwanzerová
1Klinika plastickej chirurgie LFUK, Bratislave, CSFR.
Insights
Prenatal exposure to influenza, rubella, and cytomegalovirus may increase the risk of orofacial clefts in children. Further research is needed to confirm the link with Epstein-Barr virus, while parotitis and hepatitis B showed no association.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Teratology
- Immunology
Context:
- Orofacial clefts are common congenital anomalies with multifactorial etiologies.
- Viral infections during pregnancy are a known risk factor for birth defects.
Purpose:
- To investigate the association between prenatal exposure to specific viruses and the occurrence of orofacial clefts.
- To compare serological evidence of viral infections in mothers and children with orofacial clefts versus control groups.
Summary:
- Serological examination of antibodies against rubella, influenza, parotitis, hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was conducted in children with orofacial clefts and their mothers, compared to controls.
- Results suggest a potential link between prenatal infections with influenza, rubella, CMV, and possibly EBV, and the development of orofacial clefts.
- No significant association was found between parotitis or hepatitis B virus infections and orofacial clefts.
Impact:
- Findings contribute to understanding the role of specific viral teratogens in orofacial cleft development.
- Highlights the importance of maternal viral screening and prevention during pregnancy.
- Informs public health strategies for reducing the incidence of congenital anomalies.
Abstract:
A potential teratogenic activity of virus infections caused by the viruses of rubella, influenza, parotitis, hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus and the Epstein-Barr virus was investigated. Specific antibodies against these viruses were examined serologically in children with orofacial clefts and in their mothers and the results were compared with those obtained in control children and their mothers. Different micromethods were used in performing the examinations (ELISA, RIA, NIR, KFR, HIT). Evaluation of the results and their statistical processing supports the assumption that prenatal infection may have occurred in the series studied induced by the viruses of influenza, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and possibly also by the Epstein-Barr virus. No association with the viruses of parotitis and hepatitis B was established. (Tab. 5, Ref. 36.)