Clinical Report: Infectious Diseases During Pregnancy in Sri Lanka

Overview

This scoping review assesses the surveillance, diagnostic challenges, and policy gaps related to infectious diseases during pregnancy in Sri Lanka. It highlights the rising indirect maternal deaths due to infectious diseases and the need for improved data and management strategies.

Background

Infectious diseases significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in pregnant women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Sri Lanka, while maternal mortality has decreased, indirect causes, especially infectious diseases, are increasingly responsible for maternal deaths. Addressing these issues is crucial for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes.

Data Highlights

No numerical data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• Infectious diseases are a leading cause of indirect maternal deaths in Sri Lanka.
• Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to infections such as Listeriosis, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
• Early identification and management of infections can significantly reduce adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
• There are observable gaps in the surveillance and reporting of infectious diseases in pregnancy in Sri Lanka.
• Strengthening evidence generation is essential for improving maternal health services.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should prioritize the early identification and management of infectious diseases in pregnant women to reduce morbidity and mortality. Enhanced surveillance and data collection are essential for informing policy and improving maternal health outcomes in Sri Lanka.

Conclusion

The review underscores the urgent need for systematic evidence synthesis and improved management strategies for infectious diseases during pregnancy in Sri Lanka to enhance maternal and fetal health.

References

1. WHO, WHO, 2025 -- Guidelines for clinical management of arboviral diseases: dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever
2. WHO, WHO, 2025 -- First-ever guidance for Triple Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B
3. Drug Safety, Springer, 2024 -- Exploring Pharmacovigilance During Pregnancy: A Scoping Review of Exposure Assessment and Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
4. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2024 -- Prevalence of Cytomegalovirus Antibodies in Pregnant Women at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
5. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2024 -- Antenatal Hepatitis B Virus Screening in Uganda: Identifying Gaps in Diagnosis and Treatment Opportunities
6. Open Forum Infectious Diseases — Understanding Community Insights on Neonatal Infections in Uganda
7. WHO guidelines for clinical management of arboviral diseases: dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever
8. First-ever guidance for Triple Elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B
9. RSV Vaccine Guidance for Pregnant Women | RSV | CDC