Perinatal transmission of dengue infection in a preterm neonate: a case report

Abstract

Dengue infection during pregnancy carries the risk of vertical transmission to the fetus and newborn. This is higher if the infection occurs late in pregnancy and the mother delivers at the height of viremia. In such a scenario, both mother and neonate are at risk of life-threatening complications. We present an interesting case of dengue infection in a preterm neonate managed at our unit.

Varied presentations of congenital dengue infection in neonates

“…A strong suspicion is needed in neonates presenting with pallor, irritability, poor feeding, bleeding manifestations, rashes, fever, elevated liver enzymes and shock. 2–6 It is of interest that three of our four cases (Table 1) had low platelet counts and this may be an important marker to diagnose congenital dengue infection in an appropriate clinical setting. 7…”

Perinatal Transmission of Dengue Infection in a Neonate Presenting as Dengue Shock Syndrome

“…Prevention is based on vector control and measures as the vaccine is still in the development phase. 8…”

Vertical dengue transmission complicated with neonatal encephalitis

“…Neonates typically present with fever, rash, petechiae, hepatomegaly and thrombocytopenia 8–10. Previous studies have reported variable neonatal outcomes, from asymptomatic infection to death 8 10–14. The diagnosis of neonatal dengue is based on the history of maternal illness and the positive results of molecular tests or dengue virus non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen detection or dengue IgM and IgG antibodies in mothers and neonates.…”