Parasitic infections in pregnancy

Abstract

Parasitic infections affect tens of millions of pregnant women worldwide. These infections lead directly and indirectly to a spectrum of adverse maternal and fetal/placental effects. With the increase in global travel, healthcare providers will care for women who have recently moved from or traveled to areas where these infections are endemic. We reviewed the literature, assessing case reports, case series, and prospective and retrospective trials, to provide guidelines for management of common parasitic infections in pregnancy. Parasitic infections tend to preferentially affect 1 part of the maternal-fetal unit. Thus, we categorize parasitic infections into those that preferentially cause harm to the mother, preferentially affect the fetus, and preferentially affect the placenta.

Target audience: Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Family Physicians, and Nurse Midwives.

Learning objectives: After completing this CME activity, physicians should be better able to differentiate immune modulators associated with parasitic infection and their relationship to adverse pregnancy outcomes; assess the specific effects of certain parasitic infections on the gravid female, her placenta, and her fetus; and in addition, design a treatment regimen for pregnant women presenting with a parasitic infection.