Maternal human parvovirus B19 infection and the risk of fetal death and low birthweight: a case–control study within 35 940 pregnant women

Objectives  To assess the association between maternal parvovirus B19 infection and fetal death, birthweight and length of gestation.
Design  Case–control study.
Setting  Population based.
Population  Cases were all 281 women with fetal death within a cohort of 35 940 pregnant woxmen in Norway. The control group consisted of a random sample of 957 women with a live born child.
Method  Information on pregnancy outcome was obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. First trimester serum samples were tested for antibodies against parvovirus B19 (IgM and IgG). In seronegative women, further serum was analysed to detect seroconversion during pregnancy.
Main outcome measures  Fetal death, length of gestation and birthweight.
Results  Two of 281 (0.7%) of the women who experienced fetal death and nine of 957 (0.9%) of the controls had presence of IgM antibodies, crude odds ratio 0.8; 95% CI (0.2–3.5). In initially, seronegative women, 3.1% (2/65) with fetal death and 2.6% (8/307) with a live birth seroconverted, crude odds ratio 1.2; 95% CI (0.2–5.7). Presence of maternal parvovirus-specific IgG or IgM antibodies in the first trimester, or seroconversion during pregnancy were not associated with lower birthweight or reduced length of gestation in live born children, but was associated with low birthweight in stillborn offspring.
Conclusion  Maternal parvovirus B19 infection was not associated with fetal death in our study. Very few cases of fetal death may be attributed to maternal parvovirus B19 infection.     

Pattern of parvovirus B 19 infection during different trimesters of pregnancy in Kuwait

OBJECTIVE: Aims of this study were to determine the IgG and IgM seropositivity to parvovirus B19 during the three trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS: Initially, a total of 1,047 pregnant women were included in a prospective study. Blood samples were obtained from 343, 406 and 298 cases in the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. To study the incidence of seroconversion, a second sample of blood was obtained 2-4 weeks later from the first 100 cases, who were IgG and IgM negative in the first trimester. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM was 53.3% and 2.2%, respectively. The incidence of seroconversion was 16.5%. The rate of fetal loss was 15.4% in patients with acute infection, all of which occurred in the first two trimesters. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of IgG positive cases is significantly higher in first and second trimesters compared to the third trimester. The seroconversion rate was 16.5%.     

Seroprevalence, incidence of prenatal infections and reliability of maternal history of varicella zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus and parvovirus B19 infection in South-Western Finland

Objective   To study seroprevalence and incidence and fetal transmission of varicella zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 and parvovirus B19 infections during pregnancy and to evaluate the reliability of maternal past history of VZV, HSV and parvovirus infections.
Design   Prospective study of parturient women.
Setting   South-Western Finland.
Participants   Five hundred and fifty-eight parturient women.
Methods   IgG and IgM antibodies against VZV, CMV, HSV-1 and -2, and parvovirus B19 were measured from maternal serum in the first trimester and at delivery and from cord serum, mother's own information of her past infections was compared with her serological status.
Main outcome measures   Seroprevalence, seroconversions and fetal transmission of VZV, CMV, HSV and parvovirus B19, reliability of maternal history of VZV, HSV and parvovirus B19.
Results   Seroprevalences were 96.2% for VZV, 56.3% for CMV, 54.3% for HSV, 46.8% for HSV-1, 9.3% for HSV-2 and 58.6% for parvovirus B19. Parity was associated with CMV seropositivity, maternal age differed only between HSV-2 seropositive and seronegative women, while area of residence (urban or rural) had no effect. Six seroconversions were observed: two VZV, one CMV and three parvovirus infections. No cases of primary HSV infections occurred. Fetal transmission was observed in two cases of parvovirus infection. No infants with anti-CMV IgM antibodies were born to CMV immunised women. False positive history of chickenpox was given only by 1.5% of the women, history of herpes infections was less reliable, and history of parvovirus infection was unreliable.
Conclusions   Seroprevalence and the risk of viral infections during pregnancy cannot be extrapolated from one pregnant population to another.     

Seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in pregnant women in Switzerland: an obstetric clinic based study

Objective

To assess the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) IgG antibodies and the seroincidence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in pregnant women attending the maternity clinic of the University Hospital Lausanne.

Study design

Blood samples from 1030 women were taken at the usual pregnancy visit in the first trimester to assess the prevalence rate of IgG antibodies against HSV-1 and HSV-2 using a type-specific assay. A second blood sample was taken 6-8 weeks postpartum from returning women who were seronegative for HSV-2 or HSV-1 to assess the incidence of seroconversion (primary infection).

Results

The seroprevalence rates were 79.4% (95% CI: 76.9-81.9) for HSV-1 and 21.2% (18.7-23.7) for HSV-2 in women 14-46 years old. Type-specific serostatus patterns were as follows: 17.3% HSV-1/-2: +/+, 62.1% HSV-1/-2: +/−, 3.9% HSV-1/-2: −/+, 16.7% HSV-1/-2: −/−. Two hundred and sixty five women (59 of the 212 seronegative for HSV-1 (27.8%) and 265 of the 812 seronegative for HSV-2 (32.6%)) returned to the outpatient clinic for the post-delivery check and a second blood sample was obtained. One HSV-1 seroconversion was detected (HSV-1 seroconversion rate 2.4%/100 patient × year (95% CI: 0.06-13.4)) in a patient who had symptoms compatible with primary genital herpes. No HSV-2 seroconversion was detected (HSV-2 seroconversion rate: 0/100 patient × year (97.5% one-sided CI: 0-2)).

Conclusion

Compared to a previous population-based study, our study results suggest a rise in the prevalence of HSV-2 among pregnant women in Switzerland. The low incidence of seroconversion detected during pregnancy is consistent with the very low reported incidence of neonatal herpes in Switzerland.

Condensation

This study in a public hospital in Western Switzerland suggests an increasing prevalence of HSV-2, but a low incidence of primary infections in women of childbearing age.     

Prolonged parvovirus b19 viremia in spite of neutralizing antibodies after erythema infectiosum in pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To check the clearance of parvovirus B19 in the course of the development of neutralizing antibodies after Erythema infectiosum in pregnancy. METHODS: Parvovirus B19 serology (Parvovirus B19 IFA IgG, IgM Antibody Test Kit, Biotrin, Ireland and Immunoblot RIDA Blot Parvovirus B19, R-Biopharm, Germany) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR Parvovirus B19, Roche Diagnostics, Switzerland) were performed in eight predelivery sera, one cord blood sample and one serum 2 months after delivery. RESULTS: Acute parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy was diagnosed by seroconversion in the IgM and IgG antibody class and detection of viral DNA by PCR. Despite the presence of neutralizing antibodies, PCR gave positive results in all subsequent sera including the cord blood sample and the post-delivery sample 7 months after primary infection. Neonatal examination on the 4th day after delivery was normal and no clinical sign of intrauterine infection was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged parvovirus B19 viremia infection can be seen in spite of neutralizing IgG antibodies and in IgM negative patients. Therefore, the presence of IgG antibodies in the absence of IgM antibodies should not always be interpreted as a past infection. The infectivity of patients with persistent parvovirus B19 infection requires further studies.     

Immediate and long term outcome of human parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy

Objective To estimate more precisely the risk of fetal loss and congenital abnormalities after maternal parvovirus B19 infection, and to assess the long term outcome for surviving infants.
Design Prospective cohort study of pregnant women with confirmed B19 infection with follow up of the surviving infants. The rate of fetal loss in the study cohort was compared with that in pregnant women with varicella.
Setting Cases reported by laboratories in England and Wales between 1985-1988 and 1992–1995.
Sample Four hundred and twenty-seven pregnant women with B19 infection and 367 surviving infants of whom 129 were followed up at 7–10 years of age.
Methods Questionnaires to obstetricians and general practitioners on outcome of pregnancy and health of surviving infants. Maternal infection confirmed by B19-specific IgM assay and/or IgG seroconversion.
Results The excess rate of fetal loss in women with B19 infection was confined to the first 20 weeks of gestation and averaged 9%. Seven cases of fetal hydrops followed maternal infections between 9 and 20 weeks of gestation (observed risk 2.9%, 95% CI 1.2–5.9). No abnormalities attributable to B19 infection were found at birth in surviving infants (observed risk 0%, upper 95% CI 0.86%). No late effects were found at 7–10 years.
Conclusions Around 1 in 10 women infected before 20 weeks of gestation will suffer a fetal loss due to B19. The risk of an adverse outcome of pregnancy after this stage is remote. Infected women can be reassured that the maximum possible risk of a congenital abnormality due to B19 is under 1% and that long term development will be normal.     

Toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is still an open subject

OBJECTIVE: To assess the consequences of a systematic screening for toxoplasma infection in pregnant women in a potentially high risk population. METHODS: We have investigated all consecutive women with likely toxoplasma seroconversion in a referral center setting. Data were obtained from 68 women for whom an acute infection during pregnancy was considered likely or definite. They were all treated with antibiotics in the first instance and offered, if in the first or second trimester, amniocentesis for detection of vertical transmission (PCR and IFAT). Third trimester seroconversions and positive cases after amniocentesis were offered more aggressive antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: Five fetuses/neonates (7%) were found to be infected. Four of them were diagnosed prenatally at amniocentesis, two women decided for termination of pregnancy, two were treated and gave birth to seronegative, normally developing children. One case was found postnatally, after a third trimester conversion; this developed into hydrocephalus with neurologic impairment. DISCUSSION: Prenatal screening and antibiotic treatment of mothers infected with toxoplasmosis showed good feasibility in our infection-susceptible population. However, there were some weak points; for example, the high number of invasive procedures and the questionable prevention of mother to child transmission in the second to third trimester.     

Human parvovirus B19 in cord blood of premature infants

We investigated whether intrauterine parvovirus B19 infection is associated with premature birth by evaluating parvovirus B19 antibodies and DNA in umbilical cord blood from 76 premature infants. We performed enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to detect B19-specific IgM antibodies and parvovirus DNA. No parvovirus DNA was detected in cord blood sera, and no sample was positive for anti-parvovirus B19 IgM antibodies. Parvovirus appears unlikely to lead to premature birth.     

Early signs of cardiac failure: a clue for parvovirus infection screening in the first trimester?

Parvovirus B19 is a small single-stranded DNA virus and a potent inhibitor of erythropoiesis due to its cytotoxicity to erythroid progenitor cells. Although adult disease is generally mild, fetal parvovirus B19 infection can cause spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy and aplastic anemia, nonimmune hydrops fetalis and in utero fetal demise. The prevalence of parvovirus B19 maternal infection during pregnancy is about 1-2%. The vertical transmission occurs in 10-35%, being highest in the first and second trimesters. The risk of adverse fetal outcome is 10%. In contrast to the second or third trimester, in pregnancies affected by increased nuchal translucency (NT) in the late first trimester, the prevalence of maternal infection was not higher than in the general population. We report a case of first-trimester parvovirus B19 infection with increased NT and reversed a-wave in the ductus venosus (DV) at 11 weeks, with fetal demise 2 weeks later.     

Epstein-Barr virus infection during pregnancy and the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome

OBJECTIVES: To study the association between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody status in early pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes including fetal death, length of gestation and fetal weight and length at birth. DESIGN: Nested control study. SETTING: Population based health registers. POPULATION: The source population comprised 35,940 pregnant women. Cases were all (280) women with fetal death and a random sample of 940 women with a live born child. METHOD: Information on pregnancy outcome was obtained from the Norwegian Medical Birth Registry. Serum samples from the first trimester were tested for EBV antibodies. In women seronegative for EBV, further serum from late pregnancy was analysed to detect seroconversion. Main outcome measures Vital status, length of gestation, weight and length at birth. RESULTS: There was no association between EBV antibody status and fetal death. Women with significant EBV reactivation had a significantly shorter duration of pregnancy, and associated lighter babies, compared with women without significant reactivation (stillborn: 176 vs 197 days, P=0.16, and live born: 271 vs 279 days, P=0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Significant reactivation of EBV infection during pregnancy may influence pregnancy duration.     

Prevention of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy--an epidemiologic survey over 22 consecutive years

BACKGROUND: Prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis is most often based on the results of a serological screening program in pregnant women followed by prenatal and postnatal treatment of women and their newborns when infection is already established during pregnancy or on cord blood (secondary prevention). Little effort has been made to study primary prevention of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the possibilities of two different programs aimed at preventing the acquisition of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. METHODS: During the first study period (1979-1982) the natural incidence of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy was studied in 2986 pregnant women. In the second study period (1983-1990) the incidence of toxoplasmosis was studied in 8300 women. During this period, seronegative women received a written list of recommendations on how to avoid a toxoplasma infection during pregnancy. In the third study period (1991-2001) the incidence of toxoplasmosis was studied in 16,541 women. During this period, the prevention campaign consisted of a leaflet explaining a) toxoplasmosis as a disease and b) what measures should be taken to avoid toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. The third part of the campaign involved a reiteration of these recommendations during antenatal classes held around mid-gestation. The impact of the two prevention programs was studied by measuring the seroconversion rate in seronegative women. RESULTS: Twenty of 1403 seronegative women in the first period (1.43%), 19 of 3605 women in the second period (0.53%) and 8 of 8492 in the third period (0.09%) seroconverted during pregnancy. The first prevention campaign reduced the seroconversion rate by 63% (p<0.05 OR 2.729 95% CI 1.452-5.084). The second prevention program resulted in a reduction rate of 92% compared to the seroconversion rate in the first period (p<0.0001 OR 15.34 95% CI 6.741-34.89). CONCLUSION: Promotion of simple measures is very effective in the prevention of toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. Primary prevention should not only be based on education about preventive measures given by physicians, but these guidelines should be reiterated during antenatal classes and leaflets distributed containing written recommendations on the nature of the disease and its avoidance.     

Unusual high rate of asymptomatic maternal parvovirus B19 infection associated with severe fetal outcome

Objective.?To study the role of asymptomatic maternal parvo B19 infection in severe fetal outcome in Province of Vojvodina.

Methods.?One hundred seventy-six pregnant women (13–25 weeks of gestation) were divided in two groups – patients with symptoms of imminent spontaneous abortion and poor pregnancy outcome and patients with normal course of pregnancy. Double serum samples were analyzed to quantify IgM and IgG to parvovirus B19.

Results.?Among pregnant women with symptoms of spontaneous abortion, we found significantly higher percentage of acute parvovirus B19 infection.

Conclusions.?Asymptomatic parvo B19 infection is associated with poor fetal outcome much more than we presumed previously.     

Is preeclampsia an infectious disease?

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested a strong paternal factor in the etiology of preeclampsia. If preeclampsia is caused by an infectious agent transmitted by the woman's partner, seronegative women who may experience primary infection in pregnancy should be at increased risk of preeclampsia as compared to previously infected women. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of being seronegative for some viruses transmitted by close contact on the risk of developing preeclampsia. METHODS: Nine hundred and seventy-eight women were randomly drawn from a basic study population of 35,940 pregnant women in Norway. A serum sample drawn at the first antenatal visit was analyzed for specific IgG antibodies against herpes simplex virus type-2, cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus. For comparison, antibody status against Toxoplasma gondii was also assessed. Information on preeclampsia in pregnancy was obtained through linkage to the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. RESULTS: Thirty-three (3%) women developed preeclampsia. The risk of developing preeclampsia seemed to be increased for women who were seronegative for the viruses studied. Seronegativity for Toxoplasma gondii did not show such a pattern. INTERPRETATION: Women who are seronegative for antibodies against viral agents transmitted through close contact seem more likely to develop preeclampsia. This finding indicates that women who are seronegative to such agents may acquire primary infection in pregnancy, and subsequently be at increased risk of preeclampsia. This hypothesis could represent a new approach to the causes of preeclampsia, and encourage search for yet unidentified microbes as a possible causal factor.     

A 2-year study on cytomegalovirus infection during pregnancy in a French hospital

Objectives  To evaluate the proportion of pregnant women agreeing to cytomegalovirus (CMV) serologic screening. To collect data on CMV infection during pregnancy.
Design  Prospective study.
Setting  During two years, all pregnant women were informed on CMV infection. If the patient agreed, serological testing was performed around 12 weeks of gestation (WG) and, if negative, redone around 36 WG.
Population  Four thousand two hundred and eighty-seven pregnant women followed from 12 weeks to delivery.
Methods  If the first CMV serologic test was negative, detailed hygiene information was given to the parents. Diagnosis of primary infection was based on the detection of CMV-G, CMV-M and low CMV-G avidity index. When maternal infection was confirmed, diagnosis of CMV congenital infection was done in the newborns by urine culture within the three days following birth. Crude infection-rate data consisted of the number of CMV infection cases and person-time units for both exposed to hygiene CMV information (12 to 36 WG) and unexposed pregnant women (first 12 WG).
Main outcome measures  Rate of CMV seropositive and seronegative women. Rate of women agreeing for screening. Rate of primary infection. Rate of seroconversion. Number of CMV-infected newborns.
Results  Among the 4287 women followed, 3792 were either seronegative or with an unknown immune status. 96.7% out of them agreed for screening. 53.2% were initially CMV-specific IgG negative. Primary infection was detected in nine women between 0 and 12 WG (0.46%) and seroconversion was diagnosed in five women between 12 and 36 WG (0.26%) (mid P  = 0.02, 95% CI [1.07–13.6]).
Conclusions  If clear information on CMV infection during pregnancy is given, patients frequently agree to screening. The rate of seroconversion after information, observed in this study, is low after counselling.     

Parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy studied by maternal viral load and immune responses

OBJECTIVES: Facilitate risk assessment of vital complications in fetuses of pregnancies affected by acute parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection. DESIGN: Study of the natural course of maternal B19V infection in four cases, from early pregnancy on. SETTING: University Medical Center in the Netherlands. POPULATION: Pregnant mothers attending obstetric services. METHODS: Serial measurements of the maternal and fetal or neonatal viral load and antibody responses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal and fetal/neonatal serum B19V viral DNA load and specific IgM and IgG antibodies in maternal serum. RESULTS: Peak viral load levels occurred within 1 week after maternal infection and peak IgM levels were observed 1 week after the peak viral load levels. Approximation of IgG and IgM ratios usually took place 4 weeks after infection. Vertical transmission occurred 1-3 weeks after maternal infection, suggesting that fetal infection occurs during the maternal peak viral load. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal B19V DNA load levels and IgM responses are useful to estimate the risk of parvovirus B19-associated fetal complications. The maternal peak viral load directly precedes the onset of fetal infection and may be used to indicate the stage of intrauterine B19V infection.     

Is parvovirus B19 the cause for autoimmunity against the angiotensin II type receptor?

Initial studies have demonstrated the significance of the agonistic angiotensin II receptor AT1 autoantibody (AT1-AA) in preeclampsia, although it is unclear what factors induce its generation. Since the epitope recognized by AT1-AA shares high homology with parvovirus B19 (PVB19) capsid proteins, we have investigated the relationship between the presence of AT1-AA in maternal circulation and PVB19 sero-prevalence in normal and abnormal pregnancy. We determined the parvovirus IgG sero-prevalence in normal pregnancies in the second trimester and those with abnormal uterine perfusion that are at risk for preeclampsia. Secondly, pregnancies at delivery with preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction were included. All women with normal perfusion were AT1-AA-negative and 80% were parvovirus-IgG-positive. Sixty-three percent of pregnancies with abnormal uterine perfusion were AT1-AA-positive and 71% IgG-positive. Fifty-two percent of the IgG-positive pregnancies in this subgroup were also AT1-AA-positive, and 9 of the 10 parvovirus IgG-negative women were AT1-AA-positive. In the third trimester, 87% of pregnancies with manifest disease were AT1-AA-positive and 58% IgG-positive. While 79% of the PVB19 IgG-positive pregnancies were also AT1-AA-positive, all parvovirus IgG-negative women were AT1-AA-positive. In all groups, AT1-AA activity did not differ between parvovirus IgG-negative and positive women. We find parvovirus IgG-positive pregnant women in all subgroups without relation to AT1-AA presence. This favors AT1-AA generation to be independent of epitope mimicry between parvovirus B19 capsid proteins and the AT1 receptor.     

Risk of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus in Jordan

OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Jordan. METHODS: Plasma samples from 1000 pregnant Jordanian women were screened by ELISA for HBV markers (HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBc and anti-HBs). RESULTS: HBsAg and HBeAg were detected in 4.3% and 0.1% of the pregnant women, respectively. The overall prevalence of antibodies was 6%, 11.1% and 7.5% for anti-HBe, anti-HBc and anti-HBs, respectively. Women were assigned to four groups according to the serological patterns of HBV markers: susceptible (85.9%), with acute infection (2.9%), with chronic infection (1.4%) and previously infected (9.8%). Most women were at the third trimester of pregnancy, therefore women with acute and chronic hepatitis at this gestational age were at risk of transmitting HBV infection to their newborns. Women who belonged to the low socio-economic class were at higher risk of HBV infection. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, we recommend screening women for HBV during pregnancy in order to identify HBV carriers. All newborns born to carriers should be vaccinated immediately after birth, both passively and actively. Also vaccination of HBV seronegative pregnant women is recommended.     

Analysis of complications during pregnancy in women with serological features of acute toxoplasmosis or acute parvovirosis

OBJECTIVES: Toxoplasma gondii and parvovirus B19 (PVB19) infections in a healthy adult are usually asymptomatic. Congenital toxoplasmosis is the cause of hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis and intracranial calcifications. Hydrops remains the most common complication during the fetal PVB infection. The aim of the study was to analyze the complications during pregnancy in women with serological features of acute toxoplasmosis or acute parvovirosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our study, we have included 1800 pregnant women, hospitalized in Department of Fetal-Maternal Medicine and Gynecology Research Institute, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital (RIPMMH) in Lodz, (Poland) between 2000-2007. Anti-T.gondii antibodies were tested by ELISA Vidas Toxo IgG, ELISA Vidas IgM (BioMerieux) and Platelia Toxo-A Anti-PVB19 antibodies were detected by NovaLisa Parvovirus B19 Recombinant IgG-ELISA and IgM-ELISA (NOVATEC). RESULTS: Prevalence of IgG anti-PVB19 among pregnant women was 35% (n=633). IgG anti-T.gondii was noticed in 55.5% (n=910) of women. Serological features of acute parvovirosis were demonstrated in 13.5% (n=243) of the patients and 74.2% (n=256) of women suffered from acute toxoplasmosis. Fetal hydrocephalus or ventriculomegaly was diagnosed in 19.5% (n=64) of the pregnancies with IgM anti-PVB19 and in 7.3% (n=79) women with serological features of acute toxoplasmosis. In 8.5% (n=28) of the patients with IgM anti-PVB19 and 9% (n=5) of the pregnant women with IgM and/or IgA anti-T.gondii, fetal hydrops was detected. Intrauterine death was diagnosed in 4.5% (n=15) of the cases with acute PVB19 infection and in 2.3% (n=6) of the patients with acute toxoplasmosis. Amniotic fluid disorders were noticed more often in women with acute parvovirosis (polihydramnion 15.5%, n=51; oligohydramnion 8.5%, n=28; ahydramnion 6.3%, n=21) than in those with active toxoplasmosis (polihydramnion 3.4%, n=9; oligohydramnion 3.4%, n=9; ahydramnion 0%). We have examined also the influence of T.gondii and PVB19 infections on an intrauterine growth restriction, preterm delivery and spontaneous abortions. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, infections of T.gondii and PVB19 are a very common cause of complications in pregnancy. Due to high prevalence rate of IgG antibodies in Poland, it is necessary to consider routine serological testing in pregnancy.     

Congenital toxoplasmosis--in prospective studies

In the action of prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis prospective studies were carried out of women at reproductive age for detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. Women seronegative before pregnancy were subjected during pregnancy to three tests for the presence of these antibodies in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester. After development of seroconversion in pregnancy further observation was conducted which made possible the diagnosis of active primary infection in pregnancy in 12 cases. Prophylactic treatment of the mothers was administered and the newborns were observed for the consequences of intrauterine infection.     

正常孕妇,新生儿及异常胎儿血清中人微小病毒B19感染的研究

目的：了解人微小病毒Ｂ１９在母婴中的感染状况以及该病毒对胎儿的危害。方法：应用聚合酶链反应技术（ＰＣＲ）检测３５０例正常孕妇及新生儿血清、９例异常胎儿组织血清人微小病毒Ｂ１９ＤＮＡ。结果：正常孕妇血清Ｂ１９ＤＮＡ阳性率为１．１４％，新生儿脐血阳性率为０．２８％；９例异常胎儿中有６例孕妇血清及脐血Ｂ１９ＤＮＡ阳性（６／９）。应用原位杂交的方法在ＰＣＲ阳性的异常胎儿脑和脾组织中也检出了Ｂ１９ＤＮＡ阳性颗粒。结论：应用ＰＣＲ法检查孕妇及新生儿Ｂ１９病毒具有高度敏感、简便、特异的特点，而原位杂交方法可对病毒感染进行定位，以了解感染部位的病理变化。