Healthcare workers (HCWs) and medical providers are regularly exposed to a wide range of infectious diseases in the course of their duties. This occupational risk is significant in the context of highly contagious infections such as measles, which can spread rapidly in healthcare institutions. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of protective anti-measles and anti-rubella IgG antibodies and factors influencing immunity among HCWs across all 28 districts in Bulgaria. Methods: A total of 1854 individuals, including 540 (29%) doctors and 1314 (71%) medical specialists from all 28 districts in Bulgaria, were screened for protective immunity against measles and rubella. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of protective IgG antibodies by ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) using commercial EUROIMMUN Anti-Measles/Anti-Rubella Virus IgG ELISA kits. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, the results were interpreted semi-quantitatively as positive, negative, and equivocal. Results: Anti-measles protective IgG antibodies were detected in 86.1% of participants for measles and in 95.2% for rubella. Our study found a statistically significant difference when analyzing demographic factors (age) for measles: the samples from older participants (over 50-year-old persons) were characterized by higher immunity levels; staff working in non-infectious-disease wards (n+ = 95.7%) were more frequently positive for rubella IgG antibodies compared to staff employed in infectious wards; and region locations varied for both groups. Gender and professional roles were not significant predictors. Conclusions: HCWs are at a greater risk of contracting infections than the general public because they have contact with sick patients or infectious material. Their vaccination or IgG immunity status must be strictly monitored, especially to limit the spread of nosocomial infections in hospital settings.

Parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus are significant causes of congenital infections that can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the infection of B19V and CMV in pregnant women with fetal anemia, effusions and intrauterine growth restriction and determine the utility of routine laboratory screening in pregnancy follow-up. Thirteen women with such pathological pregnancy complications attending an antenatal clinic from April 2024 to March 2025 were tested. Three types of clinical material were examined: maternal blood, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord serum. Participants underwent molecular and serological testing for both B19V and CMV. Demographic data, obstetric histories, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Our results indicate that three participants showed evidence of either current infection with CMV and seven with B19V. Pregnant women with active infections required further follow-up and fetal surveillance. A stillbirth was reported in one woman with CMV infection. For seven samples that tested positive for B19V DNA, viral sequences were obtained and clustered with genotype 1a reference strains. The findings of this study highlight the significant contribution of B19V and CMV infections during pregnancy, particularly in cases complicated by fetal anemia, effusions, and intrauterine growth restriction.

Parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus are significant causes of congenital infections that can lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of B19V and CMV infections in pregnant women with fetal anemia and/or effusions and determine the utility of routine laboratory screening in pregnancy follow-up. Thirteen women with such pathological pregnancy complications attending an antenatal clinic from April 2024 to March 2025 were tested. Four types of clinical material were examined: amniotic fluid, umbilical cord serum, maternal blood, and fetal blood. Participants underwent molecular and serological testing for both B19V and CMV. Demographic data, obstetric histories, and pregnancy outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Our results indicate that four participants showed evidence of either current infection with CMV and seven with B19V. Pregnant women with active infections required further follow-up and fetal surveillance. A stillbirth was reported in one woman with CMV infection. For seven samples that tested positive for B19V DNA, viral sequences were obtained and clustered with genotype 1a reference strains. Implementing routine or targeted screening for B19V and CMV could facilitate the early identification and appropriate management of maternal infections, ultimately reducing the risk of fetal complications.