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Published on: December 30, 2025
Waterborne viruses associated with repeated abortion
N A El-Esnawy1, M A Ali, F S Bayoumi
1Environmental Virology Lab, Department of Water Pollution Researches, National Research Centre, 12311 Dokki. nesnawy@mailcity.com
The Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association
|January 16, 2007
Summary
Waterborne viruses, including Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and coxsackieviruses, were investigated for their role in recurrent spontaneous abortions. HEV RNA was detected in 16% of aborted women, suggesting a potential link to pregnancy loss.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a complex condition with various potential etiologies.
- Waterborne viruses are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and enteroviruses, such as coxsackieviruses, are waterborne pathogens with potential systemic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of waterborne viruses, specifically HEV and enteroviruses, in recurrent spontaneous abortions.
- To detect viral presence in maternal serum and fetal tissues of women experiencing repeated abortions.
- To trace potential sources of virus transmission in wastewater.
Main Methods:
- Maternal blood serum and fetal tissues from women with recurrent abortions were analyzed.
- Control samples from women with full-term deliveries were used for comparison.
- Samples were tested for HEV and enteroviruses using cell culture, ELISA, dot-ELISA, and RT-PCR.
- Wastewater samples were collected and analyzed for HEV and enteroviruses, with specific focus on coxsackieviruses.
Main Results:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) was detected in aborted women's sera: 22% IgG, 3% IgM, 20% HEV-antigen (Ag), and 16% HEV-RNA by RT-PCR.
- HEV-Ag was found in 5% of fetal tissues.
- Coxsackievirus types 2, 3, 4, and 5 were identified in serum and wastewater samples.
- Urea arginine phosphate buffer (U-APB) showed better HEV concentration efficiency than PEG-8000, though neither was highly efficient.
Conclusions:
- Waterborne viruses, particularly HEV and coxsackieviruses, may play a role in recurrent spontaneous abortions.
- Detection of HEV RNA in aborted women and HEV-Ag in fetal tissues suggests a potential causal link.
- Wastewater surveillance can help identify potential sources of viral transmission relevant to reproductive health outcomes.
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