[SARS-CoV infection and pregnancy].

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Context:

• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
• The precise immunopathological mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV infection remain incompletely understood.
• Clinical presentations of SARS vary, with fever being a common symptom.

Purpose:

• To elucidate the immunopathological mechanisms of SARS-CoV infection.
• To describe the clinical and radiological manifestations of SARS.
• To assess the risk of SARS transmission to newborns and evaluate treatment options during pregnancy.

Summary:

• SARS patients exhibit elevated Th1 and inflammatory cytokines, including interferon gamma, for at least two weeks post-onset.
• Common symptoms include prolonged fever, sore throat, myalgia, and nausea; radiological findings can be normal.
• While vertical transmission is unlikely, perinatal infection risk exists through direct contact; ribavirin is contraindicated in pregnancy due to teratogenic risks.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the immune response during SARS-CoV infection.
• Informs clinical management of SARS, especially regarding symptom presentation and diagnosis.
• Offers crucial guidance on the safe treatment of SARS in pregnant and lactating individuals, protecting both mother and child.