Infections during pregnancy: An ongoing threat

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Congenital infections remain a significant cause of abnormalities due to lack of vaccines.
• Climate change, pathogen evolution, and travel increase risks of infectious disease outbreaks and geographic spread.
• TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, others, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes) and arboviruses (Zika, dengue, chikungunya, Oropouche) are key concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review congenital and perinatal infections, focusing on TORCH and arboviruses.
• To highlight the impact of maternal infections on fetal development and long-term disabilities.
• To discuss challenges in prevention and treatment and propose solutions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of congenital and perinatal infections.
• Emphasis on TORCH infections and arboviral diseases.
• Discussion of respiratory viruses and their impact on pregnancy.

Main Results:

• Congenital infections, especially TORCH and arboviruses, lead to severe abnormalities, particularly affecting the central nervous system and sensory organs.
• Maternal infections, even if not directly transmitted, can adversely affect fetal development.
• Limited vaccine availability and treatment options, coupled with social inequalities, worsen outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Congenital and perinatal infections pose a persistent threat to fetal development and child health.
• Effective prevention and treatment strategies are lacking for many infections, particularly emerging arboviruses.
• A One Health approach is crucial for mitigating the impact of these diseases and reducing long-term disabilities.