title: Human herpes viruses in pregnancy: cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and varicella zoster virus.
abstract: Viruses of the human herpesvirus family can have profound effects on pregnancy. Primary maternal infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) and varicella during pregnancy has been associated with fetal abnormalities and neonatal disease. Public awareness of the role of cytomegalovirus in the etiology of developmental disorders and chronic disabilities needs to increase. With time, we may see new interventions for treatment of infected pregnant women and prevention of long-term effects. Attention must be focused on development of a safe and effective vaccine. With the introduction of an efficacious varicella vaccine, the rate of varicella in pregnancy is expected to decrease dramatically. Physicians caring for women have the opportunity to prevent the complications of varicella by identifying and vaccinating susceptible women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Houston Medical School, Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, 5656 Kelley Street, Houston, TX 77026, USA. lisa.m.hollier@uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Hollier
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Grissom
mesh_terms: D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D020031:Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology; D006564:Herpesviridae / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D014645:Herpesvirus 3, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D004279:DNA, Viral