A Study on HSV Infection between Pregnant Women and Their Fetus/Newborns / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the state of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection and the vertical transmission between pregnant women and their fetus/newborns. Methods ELISA was applied to screen HSV specific antibodies in 455 pregnant women. HSV type 2 DNA was detected by PCR technique in the tissues and appendages of fetus, whose mothers had positive HSV IgM and/or type 2 IgG antibodies. Results The infective rate of HSV types1 and 2 during pregnancy were 85.27% and 47.69%, respectively. The intrauterine infective rate was 4.24%. The positive rate of HSV type 2 IgG in the pregnant women with history of abnormal pregnancy was significantly higher than that in the control group. HSV type 2 DNA was found in the amniotic fluid and tissues of placenta and fetus. Conclusion The HSV infection was common during pregnancy. HSV type 2 infection was closely related to the abnormal pregnancy, such as abort, premature delivery and malformation. ELISA combined with PCR technique is a valuable method for the diagnosis of HSV infection.