Antenatal screening for infectious diseases in Pakistan: an effective preventive opportunity

ABSTRACT

Infections during pregnancy are common and have potentially adverse effects on the fetus. A variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic infections are known to cause profound and long-term effects on both the mother and the unborn baby. Clinical features, extent and long term consequences depend on each infecting organism. Exact diagnosis can be difficult in most instances. Newer and better diagnostic modalities are now available for early antenatal screening. In a country like Pakistan infectious diseases are predominant cause of morbidity and mortality during pregnancy. The exact burden of each of these in pregnancy is not defined but is probably substantial. We will discuss here some of the available literature and the common infections that may be targeted for antenatal screening in Pakistan