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Parvovirus and herpes simplex association with unexplained anemia in pregnancy: a prospective study

M El Sayed Zaki1

  • 1Clinical Pathology Department, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt. may_s65@hotmail.com

Hematology (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|October 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Parvovirus B19 and herpes simplex virus infections are common in pregnant women with unexplained anemia. These viral infections are linked to significantly lower hemoglobin levels, suggesting screening could aid diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Anemia in pregnancy is a significant health concern, particularly in developing nations.
  • Unexplained anemia accounts for approximately one-third of all anemia cases during pregnancy.
  • Identifying the causes of unexplained anemia is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between parvovirus B19 and herpes simplex virus infections and unexplained anemia in pregnant women.
  • To determine the prevalence of these viral infections in a cohort of pregnant patients with anemia.

Main Methods:

  • The study included 100 pregnant patients diagnosed with anemia, excluding nutritional and hemolytic causes.
  • A control group of 24 healthy pregnant individuals was also included.
  • Virological markers for parvovirus B19 and herpes simplex virus were assessed using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and specific IgM antibody tests.

Main Results:

  • Eighty-four patients tested positive for parvovirus B19 infection (via PCR and/or IgM).
  • Forty patients tested positive for herpes simplex virus infection (via PCR and/or IgM).
  • Patients with either separate or combined viral infections exhibited significantly lower hemoglobin levels compared to virus-negative patients (p=0.03, p=0.034, p<0.005).

Conclusions:

  • Both parvovirus B19 and herpes simplex virus are frequently detected in pregnant women presenting with anemia.
  • Screening for these viral infections may be beneficial for diagnosing unexplained anemia in the first trimester of pregnancy.
  • Early detection and appropriate treatment of these viral infections can improve maternal health outcomes.

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