Infectious causes of microcephaly: epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

Microcephaly is an important sign of neurological malformation and a predictor of future disability. The 2015-16 outbreak of Zika virus and congenital Zika infection brought the world's attention to links between Zika infection and microcephaly. However, Zika virus is only one of the infectious causes of microcephaly and, although the contexts in which they occur vary greatly, all are of concern. In this Review, we summarise important aspects of major congenital infections that can cause microcephaly, and describe the epidemiology, transmission, clinical features, pathogenesis, management, and long-term consequences of these infections. We include infections that cause substantial impairment: cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, rubella virus, Toxoplasma gondii, and Zika virus. We highlight potential issues with classification of microcephaly and show how some infants affected by congenital infection might be missed or incorrectly diagnosed. Although Zika virus has brought the attention of the world to the problem of microcephaly, prevention of all infectious causes of microcephaly and appropriately managing its consequences remain important global public health priorities

Brief Communication - A PILOT SEROEPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION IN WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE

Three hundred and forty serum samples collected from women of child bearing age, without any clinical evidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, were screened for the presence of IgG antibodies against CMV by ELISA test. The IgG antibodies were detected in 297 which gave prevalence rate of 87.4%. Significantly higher prevalence rates (p < 0.001) were observed with increasing age and with increase in parity. There was significant difference in the antibody prevalence in different socioeconomic groups. Seroprevalence rate was also found to be more in women from rural area than those from urban area, although the difference was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). Marital status showed no impact upon the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies in women

Omicron, SARS CoV2 Variant

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Brief Communication - A PILOT SEROEPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY OF CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION IN WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE

Three hundred and forty serum samples collected from women of child bearing age, without any clinical evidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, were screened for the presence of IgG antibodies against CMV by ELISA test. The IgG antibodies were detected in 297 which gave prevalence rate of 87.4%. Significantly higher prevalence rates (p < 0.001) were observed with increasing age and with increase in parity. There was significant difference in the antibody prevalence in different socioeconomic groups. Seroprevalence rate was also found to be more in women from rural area than those from urban area, although the difference was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). Marital status showed no impact upon the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies in women