First results of universal SARS-CoV-2 virus testing of asymptomatic pregnant patients presenting for antenatal care at the Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

BACKGROUND : The current COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has reached the stage of community spread in South Africa. Asymptomatic carriers have been reported amongst pregnant women. Against this background, a strategy of universal testing of all patients visiting facilities for antenatal care should be considered, as this information will allow proper planning of obstetric services as well as reducing risk to health care workers and patients. METHODS : Asymptomatic pregnant women visiting Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, for antenatal care were randomly selected for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. RESULTS : We report the results of the first 67 patients who were tested. Their mean age was 33.3 years (SD = 6.44), and 34.3% were HIV infected. Sixteen patients (32.8%) had comorbidities such as diabetes mellites type II/gestational diabetes and hypertension. All 67 women tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSION : The asymptomatic carrier status at this point in time is still zero, reflecting the early stage of the epidemic in Tshwane at the time of testing. Universal testing of this group of patients should continue, as early identification of asymptomatic carriers in pregnant women is essential for the provision of safe obstetric care, especially against the background of the presence of significant comorbities in this population group.