Visceral Leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar) and Pregnancy

[摘要] Objective:The aim of the present review was to close the gap in the approach to pregnant women withvisceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) by providing up-to-date information to obstetricians about physiopathology,epidemiology, vertical transmission, drugs and treatment during pregnancy.Background:Infection withLeishmania chagasiduring pregnancy is rare and deserves special attention sincelittle information is available regarding the occurrence of visceral leishmaniasis during gestational period and thereal possibility of vertical transmission of this disease. Because specific areas in the world are endemic for thedisease and considering the continuous growth of the population, cases of pregnant women with visceralleishmaniasis are becoming more frequent. Unfortunately, textbooks on infectious diseases do not include thisspecific group of patients, and studies in the literature on aspects related to pregnancy and visceral leishmaniasisare scarce.Conclusions:Vertical transmission of leishmaniasis is possible and the institution of treatment is imperative incases of pregnant women with kala-azar. Amphotericin B is strongly recommended as the first choice drug dueto its fewer maternal-fetal adverse effects.

[学科分类] 妇产科学