DIFFERENTIAL TRANSMISSION OF ADENOVIRUS IN A TWIN PREGNANCY

Background: Intrauterine adenovirus infection has been associated with nonimmune hydrops. We describe a twin pregnancy in which adenovirus w as demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction in the amniotic fluid of one twin afflicted by hydrops. Adenovirus was absent in the amniotic f luid of the other twin. Case: A 25-year-old, gravida 3, para 1, with t win gestation at 20 weeks' gestation was noted on ultrasound anomaly s creen to have hydrops associated with twin B. Polymerase chain reactio n analysis of amniotic fluid revealed adenovirus in twin B with none n oted in twin A. At 26 weeks' gestation both infants died. Conclusion: This case demonstrates differential transmission of adenovirus in a tw in pregnancy. One twin developed hydrops fetalis possibly secondary to adenovirus infection.