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Related Experiment Videos

Persistent Epstein-Barr virus infection and pregnancy.

G Fleisher, R Bolognese

    The Journal of Infectious Diseases
    |June 1, 1983
    PubMed
    Summary

    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation during pregnancy is common but does not harm the fetus. Pregnant women often show antibodies to early antigen (anti-EA), but this did not correlate with adverse infant outcomes like low birth weight.

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    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Immunology
    • Obstetrics

    Background:

    • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes latent, persistent infections in most individuals.
    • Reactivation of latent EBV during pregnancy is a potential concern for fetal health.
    • Antibodies to EBV-specific antigens, including early antigen (anti-EA), are markers of infection and reactivation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the incidence and implications of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation in pregnant women.
    • To determine if EBV reactivation during gestation affects fetal outcomes.
    • To compare antibody titers to EBV-specific antigens between pregnant women and controls.

    Main Methods:

    • Longitudinal study of women seropositive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) throughout pregnancy.
    • Measurement of antibody titers to EBV-specific antigens (viral capsid antigen, early antigen, EBV-associated nuclear antigen).
    • Comparison of antibody prevalence and infant outcomes between pregnant women with and without anti-EA antibodies.

    Main Results:

    • Most pregnant women (94%) maintained stable EBV antibody titers throughout gestation.
    • Pregnant women showed a significantly higher prevalence of antibodies to early antigen (anti-EA) compared to controls (55% vs. 22%-32%).
    • Infants born to mothers with anti-EA antibodies had similar rates of low birth weight, congenital anomalies, and neonatal jaundice as infants of mothers without anti-EA.

    Conclusions:

    • Reactivation of latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection appears to occur early in gestation.
    • The presence of anti-EA antibodies in pregnant women does not indicate an increased risk to the fetus.
    • EBV reactivation during pregnancy, based on this study's sample, does not adversely affect fetal development or neonatal health.

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