Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Therapy

Congenital and Neonatal Infections

Congenital infections affect the unborn fetus or new-born infant. They are generally caused by viruses that may be picked up by the baby at any time during the pregnancy up through the time of delivery.  The viruses initially infect the mother who consequently may pass it to the baby either directly through the placenta or at the time of delivery as the baby passes through the birth canal. The more common viruses linked to congenital infections include the Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes, Rubella (German measles), Parvovirus, Varicella (chickenpox), and Enteroviruses.

Neonatal infections are infections of the neonate during the neonatal period or first four weeks after birth. Neonatal infections may be contracted by trans placental transfer in utero, in the birth canal during delivery or by other means after birth. Some neonatal infections are apparent soon after delivery, while others can develop postpartum within the first week or month. Some infections attained in the neonatal period do not become apparent until much later such as HIV, hepatitis B and malaria.