Pregnancy and Tropical Parasitic Infections

Parasitic infections influence ten of millions of pregnant worldwide. While the rate varies according to the regions in our country they are reported to be around 20%. In recent years in our country, this rate is increasing by the migrants who escaped from the chaos in the Middle
East countries. Parasitic infections show their effect at maternal, fetal and placental levels. Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus, Ascaris lumbricoides, Echinoccoccus granulosus cause maternal infection, while Schistosoma mansoni, Schistosoma haematobium, Schistosoma japanicum, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax prefer to infect placenta and Leishmania chagasi, Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma gambiense, Trypanosoma rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi, Wuchereria bancrofti infect the fetus. The diagnostic methods are serologic testing, polymerase chain reaction and microscopic examination of parasites in the stool, urine, blood or tissues
depending on the species. Some antihelmintic drugs can pass into breast milk. In addition to antihelmintic drugs oral iron supplements therapy or surgery may be required. Specific methods of insect body protector to prevent parasitic infections, you grant to pay attention to hygiene and water, chemoprophylaxis is used. To prevent parasitic infections, specific body insect protectors, hygienic food and water and chemoprophylaxis can be utilized. Possible poor pregnancy outcomes can be avoided with the early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of parasitic diseases.