Maternal and neonatal outcomes after infection with monkeypox virus clade I during pregnancy in DR Congo: a pooled, prospective cohort study.

Open Access CRIS of the University of Bern 2026 Open access

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Authors: Emmanuel Hasivirwe Vakaniaki, Isaac Barhishindi, Ange Mubiala, Espoir Bwenge Malembaka, Lydia Braunack-Mayer, Bruce Nganga, Sabin Sabiti Nundu, Isabel Brosius, Stefanie Bracke, Eugene Bangwen, Elise De Vos, Robert Colebunders
+28 more Mireille Amba Ngale, Gabriel Makabu Kayembe, Christian Tshongo, Ali Dilu, Célestin Tshimanga, Jean-Luc Biampata, Patrick Musole Bugeme, Nsengi Ntamabyaliro, Bruce Kirenga, Misaki Wayengera, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, David Lupande Mwenebitu, Anne W Rimoin, Tony Wawina-Bokalanga, Koen Vercauteren, Daniel Mukadi‐Bamuleka, Jean‐Jacques Muyembé‐Tamfum, Susanne Krasemann, Jason Kindrachuk, Andrew S. Azman, Veronique R. Nussenblatt, Ian Crozier, Lori Elizabeth Dodd, Olivier Tshiani-Mbaya, Nicola N Low, Patrick D M C Katoto, Placide Mbala Kingebeni, Laurens Liesenborghs
DOI: 10.48620/93687
Cited by: 0

Abstract

Background Monkeypox virus (MPXV) has been linked to vertical transmission, but systematic data are scarce. We aimed to describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and virological characteristics and assess the frequency and determinants of adverse outcomes in pregnant women with MPXV clade I infection.Methods In this prospective cohort study, we pooled data from three cohort studies (MBOTE-SK, PREGMPOX, and Uvira mpox) and one randomised controlled trial (PALM007) conducted in the South Kivu, Maniema, and Sankuru provinces of DR Congo between Dec 29, 2022, and June 20, 2025. Pregnant women and adolescent girls with a PCR-confirmed diagnosis of mpox were followed up throughout hospitalisation for mpox, delivery, and until discharge during the postpartum period. We extracted data on sociodemographic characteristics, MPXV exposure, clinical and obstetric presentation, and laboratory results. In a univariable analysis, we examined factors associated with the following adverse outcomes: spontaneous or missed abortion (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Poxvirus research and outbreaks Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research Immune responses and vaccinations

Publication details

Journal / source
Open Access CRIS of the University of Bern
Publication date
17 January 2026
Language
EN