Acute respiratory infections among individuals seeking outpatient care in the states of Washington and Michigan by pregnancy status, 2011-2016

Abstract

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during pregnancy are associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes.

Methods: Using U.S. Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Network data (2011-2016) from Washington and Michigan, we tested for respiratory viruses among pregnant and non-pregnant outpatients matched on age, site, and season (n = 191).

Results: Among all participants, detection of human coronaviruses and rhinovirus was common. We also observed differences in virus detection by pregnancy status; human coronaviruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were detected more frequently among pregnant and non-pregnant participants, respectively.

Conclusions: The role of respiratory viruses in maternal ARI morbidity should be further characterized to inform implementation of prevention interventions including maternal vaccines.

Keywords: infectious complications; influenza; maternal immunization; pregnancy; respiratory syncytial virus; respiratory viruses.