Objectives: This descriptive study had for objective to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary aspects of the association cholera and pregnancy during the cholera epidemic in Senegal in 2004 and 2005.
Material and method: We analyzed the files of pregnant women admitted in the infectious diseases department of the Fann national University Hospital for suspicion of cholera, from October 11, 2004 to December 31, 2005.
Results: Fifty-two pregnant women were hospitalized and accounted for 1.76% of the patients admitted for cholera in the department. They were an average of 24+/-4.9 years of age and came from the Dakar suburbs in 60% of cases. The source of contagion was food and/or water in 70% of cases. These patients contracted the disease during the summer term of the pregnancy in 31% of cases. Clinically, they presented with a typical choleriform syndrome in 90% of cases, emesis in 100% of cases, and severe dehydration in 27% of cases. The coproculture for 14 women was positive for Vibrio cholerae in 12 cases. For treatment, these patients benefited from intravenous rehydration in 75% of cases and antibiotherapy with doxycyclin 300 mg in unidose. The following complications were noted: 6 abortions, 2 premature childbirths, and a maternal death.
Conclusion: The association cholera and pregnancy presents high risks for the fetus and for the mother, requiring a fast and adequate management.