H7N9 influenza and its impact on pregnancy

Viroj Wiwanitkit

1Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Serbia

2Hainan Medical University, China

3Joseph Ayobabalola University, Nigeria

4Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

H7N9 influenza and its impact on pregnancy

Viroj Wiwanitkit

1Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Serbia

2Hainan Medical University, China

3Joseph Ayobabalola University, Nigeria

4Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

ARTICLE INFO

Article history:

Received 6 June 2013

Received in revised form 12 October 2013 Accepted 13 November 2013

Available online 20 January 2014

H7N9

This short article specifically focuses on the new emerging H7N9 influenza which has just been observed since early 2013. As a new disease, it is lack for the knowledge on the new H7N9 influenza. Here, the author will discuss on the impact of emerging H7N9 influenza on pregnancy.

1. Introduction to new H7N9 bird flu

New emerging disease is a concern in public health. The cross species atypical H7N9 influenza virus infection originating in China is a big global problem at present [1 - 2]. As a new atypical influenza, the great fear is on the worldwide epidemic as previously seen in the previous outbreak on atypical influenza infections, H5N1 bird fu [3] and H1N1 swine flu [4].

Of interest, although H7N9 influenza causes respiratory illness, additional atypical manifestations can also be seen [5-7]. Since its first emerging in China, upto 130 cases has been accumulated (30 May 2013).

This short article specifically focuses on the new emerging H7N9 influenza which has just been observed since early 2013. As a new disease, it is lack for the knowledge on the new H7N9 influenza. Here, the author will discuss on the impact of emerging H7N9 influenza on pregnancy.

2. New H7N9 influenza infection in pregnant patients

The new H7N9 influenza can infect anyone, in any age group and sex [5-6]. As a disease resulted from genetic alteration [8-9], the pathobiological process due to the infection might be different from classical influenza can be expected. It is useful to gathering the data of this specific new infection. In obstetrics, the data of this new infection is highly required.

Focusing on the pregnant, only a few reports are available for H7N9 influenza. Nevertheless, it is no doubt that pregnant patients are at risk for get severe influenza [10]. For the new emerging bird flu, the severe illness can be seen. The good example is the previous situation in outbreak of H1N1 swine flu [11] and H5N1 bird flu [12]. For the presentH7N9 influenza, there is only 1 pregnant patient from overall 130 cases (30 May 2013). The case is a 25 year old patient identified in Jiangsu Province in 30 March 2013. According to the record, this patient did not have serious infection and the recovery could be seen. There is no obstetrical complication. Nevertheless, there is still no data on the fetus and infant (still not birth at present).

3. Prevention of H7N9 influenza in the pregnancy

The prevention of influenza is an important in preventive obstetrics. Generally, influenza vaccination is recommended for the pregnant [13]. However, as a new infection, no vaccine for H7N9 influenza is available at present. Although the pregnant is classified as a risk group, the antiviral prophylaxis is not recommended.

Conflict of interest statement

We declare that we have no conflict of interest

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ment heading

10.1016/S2305-0500(14)60008-7

*Corresponding author: Professor Viroj Wiwanitkit Wiwanitkit House, Bangkhae, Bangkok, Thailand.

E-mail: wviroj@yahoo.com

Influenza Pregnancy