Foetal outcome of Leptospira and Rickettsial infections during pregnancy: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Leptospirosis and rickettsial infections are bacterial zoonoses prevalent in different geographical locations and presents with overlapping symptoms.

Objective: To identify foetal outcomes in pregnant women diagnosed with rickettsial infections, including scrub typhus and leptospirosis, along with their associated factors.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL (Cochrane), Web of Science, PsycINFO, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, and Embase using defined search terms. Studies involving pregnant women with diagnosed leptospirosis and rickettsial infections, including scrub typhus, were selected. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts using the Rayyan Web interface. Data extraction was performed in Microsoft Excel, with Zotero for reference management. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools. Data synthesis included narrative analysis.

Results: Fifty-four studies were included: 22 on scrub typhus, 14 on rickettsial infection, 16 on leptospirosis, and 2 on all three infections. Of 176 scrub typhus cases, 53 resulted in foetal loss and 3 in neonatal death. Among 38 rickettsial infection cases, 4 had foetal loss. Out of 63 leptospirosis cases, 13 experienced foetal loss. Six maternal deaths occurred due to scrub typhus and one due to Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Conclusion: Leptospirosis and rickettsial infections, including scrub typhus, are important causes of pregnancy loss. Further research is needed to better understand and mitigate these risks in pregnant women.

Keywords: foetal loss; leptospirosis; miscarriage; scrub typhus; stillbirth.