Intrauterine infection with parvovirus B19 and CMV: implications in early and late gestation fetal demise.

In utero viral infections have been associated with an adverse pregnancy outcome and may have a causative role in the unexplained fetal death file. Parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus are among the most common pathogens implicated in fetal loss cases. Parvovirus B19 has been reported to account for cases of spontaneous abortions, intrauterine fetal death and nonimmune hydrops fetalis, whereas cytomegalovirus accounts for nonimmune hydrops fetalis, intrauterine growth retardation and congenital anomalies. This review aims to summarize the current literature in an attempt to underline the need for routine screening, close follow-up and prevention. A better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms of viral infections during the crucial time of organogenesis, along with early detection, may contribute to the reduction in stillbirth rate.