Abstract
Background
The global resurgence of mpox, formerly monkeypox, poses an emerging threat to pregnant women due to immunological changes and potential vertical transmission, yet its impact on pregnancy remains underexplored. This study aims to pioneer a comprehensive assessment of pregnancy outcomes and the risks of vertical transmission associated with mpox infection during pregnancy.
Materials and Methods
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we searched three databases up to September 2024 for studies on pregnant women with mpox confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Primary outcomes were composite adverse pregnancy outcomes: miscarriage or fetal death, congenital anomalies, and chorioamnionitis; the secondary outcome was vertical transmission. Study quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Statistical analysis employed R software using a one-proportion model with Freeman-Tukey transformation and random-effects meta-analysis (restricted maximum-likelihood estimator, Knapp-Hartung adjustment), presenting estimated proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
Six studies (three case series, three case reports) comprising 11 singleton pregnancies were included. Diagnoses occurred in the first (27.3%), second (45.4%), and third trimesters (27.3%). Among the five genotypically identified Mpox cases, 20.0% were classified Clade I and 80.0% as Clade II. Meta-analysis indicated that an estimated 63% (95% CI, 43–83%) of pregnancies experienced composite adverse pregnancy outcomes. Specifically, miscarriage or fetal death occurred in 62% (95% CI, 21–102%), congenital anomalies in 50% (95% CI, 21–80%), and chorioamnionitis in 78% (95% CI, 44–96%). Vertical transmission was observed in 79% (95% CI, 6–151%). Despite small sample sizes leading to wide confidence intervals, high estimated proportions suggest that mpox severely impacts pregnancy outcomes, likely linked to maternal inflammation, placental invasion, and significant fetal risks from vertical transmission.
Conclusion
Mpox infection during pregnancy appears to be associated with high rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes and vertical transmission. Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm these findings and develop preventive and management strategies mitigating this emerging threat.
Keywords: Monkeypox virus, Mpox, Pregnancy, Vertical transmission
Graphical Abstract
Introduction
Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus. Historically endemic to central and west Africa, mpox has recently emerged as a global public health concern following outbreaks in non-endemic regions [1]. The increasing incidence of mpox raises significant concerns for vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant individuals. Similar to those with Toxoplasma gondii, other agents, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus (TORCH) infections, mpox poses potential risks of vertical transmission, along with serious implications for both maternal and fetal health [2,3].
Previous studies on Orthopoxviruses, including Variola virus (the causative agent of smallpox), have shown that viral infections during pregnancy can increase the risk of severe complications, such as spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, and neonatal infections [4,5]. Given the similar nature of mpox and smallpox, it is critical to examine whether mpox poses a comparable threat to pregnant individuals. Although studies have been conducted in the general population, limited and inconsistent data on mpox outcomes during pregnancy have fueled ongoing debates about the potential risks and clinical management of this infection [6,7].
This systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis aims to pioneer a comprehensive assessment of pregnancy outcomes and the risks of vertical transmission associated with mpox infection during pregnancy. By clarifying the impact of mpox on pregnant individuals, this review intends to contribute to the ongoing discourse and enhance our understanding of the associated risks, ultimately informing future clinical guidelines and public health policies.
Materials and Methods
1. Study design and registration
This systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; registration number: CRD42024600433).
2. Ethical considerations
As this study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of previously published data, ethical approval and informed consent were not required.
3. Search strategy
A comprehensive literature search was performed in September 2024, across three electronic databases: PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Proquest. The search aimed to identify studies reporting on mpox (monkeypox) infection during pregnancy. The search strategy combined relevant keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms related to mpox and pregnancy, including "mpox", "monkeypox virus", "pregnancy", and "pregnant women". Boolean operators "AND" and "OR" were used to refine the search results. No language restrictions were applied to ensure comprehensive retrieval of relevant studies. Additionally, the reference lists of all included articles and pertinent reviews were manually screened to identify additional eligible studies.
4. Eligibility criteria
Studies were included if they met the following criteria: involved pregnant women diagnosed with mpox infection confirmed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR); were primary studies; provided sufficient data to extract outcomes of interest; and reported at least one of the primary outcomes (miscarriage or fetal death, congenital anomalies, chorioamnionitis) or the secondary outcome (vertical transmission). We only confirm the occurrence of vertical transmission if a study explicitly mentions or reports the diagnosis of mpox in infants or fetuses being confirmed through qPCR (e.g., samples taken from the umbilical cord vein, breaking of membranes, or trans-cutaneous amniocentesis). Studies were excluded if they did not involve pregnant women, lacked confirmation of mpox infection by qPCR, did not report specific pregnancy outcomes, or were reviews, editorials, commentaries, or conference abstracts without full data.
5. Study selection
All identified records were imported into EndNote X9 (Clarivate Analytics, Philadelphia, PA, USA), and duplicates were removed using the software's duplicate identification function. Titles and abstracts of all retrieved articles were screened independently to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria or required further evaluation. Full-text articles were obtained for those meeting the criteria or when eligibility was unclear. The full-text articles were then assessed independently for eligibility, and any disagreements were resolved through discussion or consultation with an additional reviewer.
6. Data extraction
Data extraction was conducted independently using a standardized data extraction form. Extracted data included study characteristics (authors, publication year, study design), patient demographics (maternal age, gestational age at diagnosis, MPXV type, maternal viral load, maternal clinical presentation, treatment given, delivery method), pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage or fetal death, congenital anomalies, chorioamnionitis), and vertical transmission status. For studies with multiple reports or overlapping data, the most comprehensive dataset was used. Any discrepancies in data extraction were resolved by consensus or through consultation with an additional reviewer.
7. Quality assessment
The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed independently using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools for case reports and case series. The appraisal evaluated aspects such as patient selection, diagnostic methods, outcome measurements, and clarity of reporting. Each criterion was rated as "Yes", "No", "Unclear", or "Not applicable". The quality assessment results informed the interpretation of the findings but did not lead to the exclusion of any studies.
8. Statistical analysis
The primary analysis estimated the pooled incidence of outcomes, expressed as proportions per 100 pregnancies. Given the rarity of mpox infection in pregnancy and the small sample sizes, which included studies with zero or one event, a one-proportion meta-analysis model was employed. The Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation was used to stabilize variances, reducing the influence of studies with extreme proportions and providing more reliable pooled estimates for rare events [8].
A random-effects model with the restricted maximum-likelihood estimator was applied to account for potential heterogeneity among studies. The Knapp-Hartung adjustment was utilized to provide more accurate confidence intervals, which is especially important in meta-analyses with a small number of studies and uncertain between-study variance [9].
Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic and Cochran's Q test. An I2 value greater than 75% was considered indicative of a high degree of heterogeneity [10]. All analyses were performed using the meta package in R (version 4.3.1, R Project for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) [11]. Due to the limited number of studies and small sample sizes, sensitivity analyses and assessments of publication bias were not performed, as these methods are less reliable under such conditions [8].
Results
A total of 174 records were identified through database searches. After removing 69 duplicates, 105 titles and abstracts were screened, leading to the exclusion of 94 irrelevant studies. Eleven full-text articles were assessed for eligibility; five were excluded because three did not confirm the diagnosis with qPCR and two evaluated different outcomes. Ultimately, six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The study selection process is illustrated in the PRISMA flow diagram (Fig. 1). Quality assessment using the JBI tools for case reports (Fig. 2) and case series (Fig. 3) indicated that four studies had a low risk of bias, while two had a moderate risk.
Figure 1. PRISMA flow diagram depicting study selection.
PRISMA, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; qPCR, quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
Figure 2. Risk of bias assessment using the JBI tools for case reports.
JBI, Joanna Briggs Institute.
Figure 3. Risk of bias assessment using the JBI tools for case series.
JBI, Joanna Briggs Institute.
The six included studies comprised three case reports and three case series, encompassing a total of 11 singleton pregnancies. These studies were published between 2017 and 2024. Mpox diagnoses occurred during the first trimester in 27.3% of cases, the second trimester in 45.4%, and the third trimester in 27.3%. The identified MPXV clades were Clade I in 20.0% of cases and Clade II in 80.0%. Detailed baseline characteristics are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1. Characteristic of included studies.
| Study | Design | Maternal age (years) | Gestational age at diagnosis (weeks) | MPXV type | Maternal viral load (genome copies/mL) | Maternal clinical presentation | Treatment given | Delivery method | Adverse pregnancy outcomes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mbala et al. (2017) | Case series | Case I | 20 | 6 | NR | 3.5×103 | • Fever | • Antibiotic (amoxicillin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol) | SVE | M/FD |
| Case II | 25 | 6–7 | 7.9×105 | • Vesicular rash | • Analgesic (paracetamol, papaverine) | SVE | M/FD | |||
| Case III | 29 | 14 | 2.3×105 | • Enanthems in the oral cavity | • Antiparasitic (metronidazole and mebendazole) | NR | None | |||
| Case IV | 22 | 18 | 8.9×105 | D&E | M/FD, CA | |||||
| Contag et al. (2023) | Case series | Case I | 19 | 24 | Clade II | NR | • Severe pruritus | NR | NR | CH |
| Case II | 23 | 36 | Clade II | NR | • No symptoms were noted | NR | NR | CH | ||
| Renfro et al. (2023) | Case series | Case I | 19 | 24 | Clade II | NR | • Vaginal pruritus | • Antibiotic (ampicillin and gentamicin) | SVB | CH |
| • Antiparasitic (metronidazole) | ||||||||||
| Case II | 22 | 36 | Clade II | NR | • No symptoms were noted | • Antibiotic (ampicillin and gentamicin) | SVB | CH | ||
| Sampson et al. (2023) | Case report | 20 | 31 | NR | NR | • Labial ulcer | • Antiviral (tecovirimat and acyclovir) | SVB | None | |
| • Papular rash | ||||||||||
| • Inguinal lymphadenopathy | ||||||||||
| • Vaginal discharge and bleeding | ||||||||||
| • Dysuria | ||||||||||
| Schwartz et al. (2023) | Case report | 22 | 19 | Clade I | 1.0×106 | • Fever | NR | SVB | M/FD, CA | |
| • Maculopapular rash | ||||||||||
| • Submandibula lymphadenopathy | ||||||||||
| Hernández et al. (2024) | Case report | 24 | 4 | NR | NR | • Asthenia | • Antiviral (acyclovir) | SVB | CH | |
| • Burning rash (maculopapular, pustular, umbilicated, and crusting) starting in the genital area, progressing to the perianal region, back, legs, arms, and soles | • Antifungal (clotrimazole) | |||||||||
| • Inguinal lymphadenopathy | • Antibiotic (azithromycin) | |||||||||
| Summarya | 11b | 19–29c | Trimester I: 3/11 (27.3%) | Clade I: 1/5 (20.0%) | 3.5×103–1.0×106d | Fever: 5/11 (45.4%) | Analgesics: 1/8 (12.5%) | SVE: 2/8 (25.0%) | M/FD: 4/11 (36.4%) | |
| Trimester II: 5/11 (45.4%) | Clade II: 4/5 (80.0%) | Rash: 7/11 (63.6%) | Antiviral: 2/8 (25%) | D&E: 1/8 (12.5%) | CA: 2/11 (18.2%) | |||||
| Trimester III: 3/11 (27.3%) | Pruritus: 2/11 (18.2%) | Antibiotics: 4/8 (50%) | SVB: 5/8 (62.5%) | CH: 5/11 (45.5%) | ||||||
| Lymphadenopathy: 3/11 (27.3%) | Antifungal: 1/8 (12.5%) | CS: 0/8 (0%) | ||||||||
| Genitourinary symptoms: 3/11 (27.3%) | Antiparasitic: 2/8 (25%) | |||||||||
aAccounting for only the available or reported data.
bTotal number of pregnant women, all with singleton pregnancies.
cRange of minimal to maximal years of maternal age.
dRange of minimal to maximal genome copies/mL of maternal viral load.
MPXV, Monkeypox virus; NR, not reported; SVE, spontaneous vaginal expulsion; ; M/FD, miscarriage or fetal death; D&E, dilatation & evacuation; CA, congenital anomalies; CH, chorioamnionitis; SVB, spontaneous vaginal birth; CS, caesarean section.
The meta-analysis estimated that approximately 62% (95% confidence interval [CI], 21%–102%) of pregnancies with mpox resulted in miscarriage or fetal death (Fig. 4). Although the upper limit of the CI exceeds 100% due to the small sample size and statistical adjustments, this indicates a high incidence of this adverse outcome among affected pregnancies.
Figure 4. Forest plot: Pooled proportion of miscarriage or fetal death events in pregnant women with mpox.
An estimated 50% (95% CI, 21%–80%) of pregnancies with mpox were associated with congenital anomalies (Fig. 5).
Figure 5. Forest plot: Pooled proportion of congenital anomalies events in pregnant women with mpox.
Chorioamnionitis occurred in approximately 78% (95% CI, 44%–96%) of mpox-infected pregnancies (Fig. 6).
Figure 6. Forest plot: Pooled proportion of chorioamnionitis in pregnant women with mpox.
The composite adverse pregnancy outcomes—defined as the occurrence of miscarriage/fetal death, congenital anomalies, or chorioamnionitis—was estimated at 63% (95% CI, 43%–83%) among pregnancies affected by mpox (Fig. 7).
Figure 7. Forest plot: Pooled proportion of composite adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with mpox.
The rate of vertical transmission was estimated to be 79% (95% CI, 6%–151%) (Fig. 8). The wide CI reflects the small sample size and statistical limitations but suggests a high potential for vertical transmission during pregnancy.
Figure 8. Forest plot: Pooled proportion of vertical transmission risk in pregnant women with mpox.
Despite the limited sample size and wide CIs, the high estimated proportions of adverse outcomes indicate that mpox infection during pregnancy is associated with significant risks, including miscarriage or fetal death, congenital anomalies, chorioamnionitis, and vertical transmission.
Discussion
The findings of this meta-analysis demonstrate a notable risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and vertical transmission. Compared to the previous meta-analysis of mpox in pregnancy by D’Antonio et al. [12], our study adheres to stricter inclusion criteria and analyzes a larger dataset, thereby contributing a new dimension to the existing knowledge on mpox infection during pregnancy. Additionally, we recognize the importance of examining the characteristics of the included studies to gain a better understanding of mpox in pregnancy.
Of the five cases tested for viral strain in our study, 1 case (20.0%) was identified as Clade I and 4 cases (80.0%) as Clade II. The Clade I case was associated with congenital anomalies and miscarriage, while all Clade II cases resulted in chorioamnionitis. Vertical transmission was confirmed in the Clade I case, whereas the Clade II cases were not assessed for vertical transmission. These findings align with known differences in pathogenicity between the strains. Previous studies on the general population show that Clade I has a case fatality rate of 10–15% in unvaccinated individuals, rising to 15% in children, with established human-to-human transmission. In contrast, Clade II causes milder disease, is less transmissible, and has a lower case fatality rate of 1–6%. Clade I also demonstrates greater virulence in experimentally infected non-human primates compared to Clade II [13,14].
In our study, the maternal viral load is vary from 3.5 × 103–1.0 × 106 genome copies/mL showing a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from rash, lymphadenopathy, to fever [6,15,16,17,18,19,20]. From the two studies we assessed that reported positive vertical transmission, both studies noted the highest maternal viral loads among those documented. The study by Mbala et al. showed a maternal viral load of 8.9×105 genome copies/mL, ranking as the second highest with positive reports of vertical transmission. The highest maternal viral load among the studies we assessed was reported by Schwartz et al., at 1.0×106 genome copies/mL, aligning with findings from the study conducted by Nachega et al., which demonstrated that monkeypox can be transmitted from mother to fetus, with high viral loads (≥106 copies/mL) detected in maternal–fetal interface tissues [21].
Our assessed studies, such as those by Contag et al. and Renfro et al., demonstrate serological evidence of MPXV infection in asymptomatic individuals. This indicates that some instances of mpox go undiagnosed and require testing [19,20]. Meanwhile, Accordini et al. reported that an asymptomatic patient exhibited a viral load in an anal swab indicating a viable virus, and MPXV was isolated from a urethral swab, suggesting that asymptomatic individuals can transmit the virus through sexual contact [22]. It is also important to note that qPCR samples have varying times required to confirm the presence of the MPVX, depending on the site of sample collection. The timeframes were 14 days for skin lesions, 5 days for oropharyngeal samples, 10 days for rectal samples, 2 days for semen, and immediate for blood [23]. We stress the importance of further investigating the role of unrecognized infections in monkeypox transmission, even through atypical routes [24,25]. As of now, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists does not recommend routine screening of asymptomatic pregnant women. Hence, a thorough history should assess exposure risks, including travel, contact with mpox cases, sexual history, and animal exposure. If needed, a full sexual health screening may be conducted [26].
How MPXV may lead to miscarriage or fetal death is explained in a hypothesis by Dashraath et al., which outlines that the MPXV may ascend from the vagina and cervix to infect cells in the chorionic membranes [27]. It can be transmitted through genital fluids, with the virus found and persisting in the reproductive tract. The other proposed pathway is maternal viremia that might allow the virus to reach the placenta via uterine arteries, infecting the decidua and placental tissues, potentially entering fetal circulation. Placental histology from pregnancies with congenital cowpox and smallpox (Orthopoxviruses) closely related to the monkeypox virus. Thus, the hypothesis regarding cowpox can be used to propose pathways through which monkeypox could be vertically transmitted in utero. Additionally, the virus may directly infect syncytiotrophoblasts due to the inflammation associated with mpox that could enable the virus to access fetal blood, as maternal immune responses may disrupt protective networks around the syncytiotrophoblast.
Our analysis suggests that mpox infection in pregnancy may pose a risk for congenital anomalies. Similar outcomes have been observed with other viral infections, such as Zika virus, which is known for causing congenital anomalies like microcephaly and brain malformations. Additionally, past studies of smallpox in pregnancy, another orthopoxvirus, demonstrated with poor fetal outcomes [28,29]. Although mpox is less severe than smallpox, the risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including congenital anomalies, remain concerning. Potential mechanisms for congenital anomalies caused by mpox include direct viral transmission to the fetus via the placenta and maternal immune responses that lead to systemic inflammation and placental damage, which may result in the production of soluble immune factors that could reach the fetus and affect its development [30].
Chorioamnionitis, an inflammation of the fetal membranes (amnion and chorion) often caused by bacterial infections. However, viral infections, including mpox, could trigger or exacerbate this condition. Chorioamnionitis was observed in several cases, suggesting a potential link between mpox infection and the development of this condition, though the underlying mechanisms remain speculative. One potential pathway could involve mpox-induced immune responses that lead to inflammatory reactions in the placenta, as has been observed with other viral infections such as Herpes simplex virus and Cytomegalovirus, which are also known to cause chorioamnionitis [30,31,32]. Moreover, infections such as Zika and coronavirus disease 2019 have shown that viral agents can increase susceptibility to chorioamnionitis due to immune dysregulation and inflammation, a mechanism that may also be relevant in mpox [31].
In our study, antivirals like tecovirimat and acyclovir were given, but no significant adverse pregnancy outcomes related to these medications were observed. According to American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, tecovirimat should be considered the first-line antiviral for pregnant, recently pregnant, or breastfeeding individuals if treatment is necessary. There is no human data on tecovirimat's use during pregnancy and lactation, and its effects on reproductive development are based only on animal studies, which did not show specific fetal effects. It is unclear if tecovirimat can prevent congenital mpox. In animal studies, tecovirimat was found in breast milk, but it is unknown if the levels are sufficient to treat a breastfeeding child with mpox. Therefore, breastfeeding children with mpox should be treated separately if needed [32].
Alongside transplacental transmission, the possibility of transmission via the vaginal canal remains a concern, particularly in cases of genital involvement. For mpox-positive mothers showing such symptoms, a cesarean section might be preferred to avoid direct exposure to the fetus during delivery [6]. Although two cases by Sampson et al. and Hernandez et al. reporting genitourinary symptoms showed that none of the babies tested positive for mpox at the time of delivery, these findings only eliminate evidence of vertical transmission via transplacental or in utero routes [15,17]. Transvaginal vertical transmission may still lead to later infection occurrences, following the virus' incubation period. Thus, we underscore the need for careful monitoring and individualized decisions regarding the mode of delivery.
Mpox infection during pregnancy appears to be associated with high rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes and vertical transmission, emphasizing the necessity to consider this infection in prenatal care protocols. In efforts to prevent vertical transmission, there may be a need to expand the TORCH infection panel to include monkeypox, transforming it into M-TORCH. Furthermore, more comprehensive case reporting and larger, well-designed studies are warranted to confirm these findings and develop preventive and management strategies to mitigate this emerging threat.
Footnotes
Funding: None.
Conflict of Interest: No conflict of interest.
- Conceptualization: IGSW, LL.
- Data curation: LL, RS, AE.
- Formal analysis: SSI.
- Investigation: LL, RS, AE, SSI.
- Methodology: LL, SSI.
- Project administration: LL, RS, AE, FCY.
- Supervision: IGSW.
- Visualization: LL, RS, AE, SSI, FCY.
- Writing - original draft: IGSW, LL, RS, AE.
- Writing - review & editing: SSI, FCY.
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