Dengue virus and infertility: effects on reproductive health and outcomes

Abstract

Brazil has been facing periods of dengue epidemics for more than 40 years. Recently, the disease showed increasing numbers of diagnoses. This scenario is alarming in terms of public health, and has caused concern in specific areas of medicine, such as Assisted Reproduction. What influence does viral infection have on the success of treatments? What is the risk of acquiring the virus in the early stages of pregnancy? Various data confirm vertical transmission, although the risks are extremely low and sexual transmission of the infection seems unlikely. The aim of this article is to review the literature on the influence of Dengue infection on Assisted Reproduction treatments, with a view to advising patients who are planning to start treatment.

Keywords: dengue; infertility; viral infection.