Parvovirus and herpes simplex association with unexplained anemia in pregnancy: a prospective study.

Anemia in pregnancy is a health problem in developing countries. Unexplained anemia constitutes about one-third of anemia. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the association of parvovirus B19 and herpes simplex virus in pregnant females with unexplained anemia. The study included 100 pregnant patients with anaemia. Nutritional and hemolytic anemia were excluded. In addition, 24 healthy pregnant control were included. Virological markers for parvovirus B19 and herpes simplex were evaluated by PCR and specific IgM. Eighty-four patients had parvovirus infection as determined by positive PCR or/and positive IgM. While 40 patients had positive herpes simplex infection by positive PCR or/and IgM. Patients with parvovirus and herpes simplex infections either separately or had combined infections had significantly lower level of hemoglobin compared to patients negative for viruses infections (p=0.03, p=0.034, p<0.005 respectively). It can be concluded that both parvovirus B19 and herpes simplex are common among pregnant patients. Screening for parvovirus B19 and herpes simplex may help to reach for the diagnosis of unexplained anemia during first trimester of pregnancy and allow appropriate treatment to be offered.