Congenital infection

Congenital infection
Specialty	Pediatrics, Infectious disease
Symptoms	Varies depending on the infection
Complications	Developmental delays, organ damage
Usual onset	At birth
Duration	Varies
Causes	Vertical transmission of infectious agents
Risk factors	Maternal infection during pregnancy
Diagnostic method	Serology, PCR, clinical evaluation
Treatment	Depends on the specific infection
Prognosis	Varies

Congenital infection refers to an infection present at birth that is acquired in utero. These infections are caused by pathogens that are transmitted from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. The most common congenital infections are often remembered by the acronym TORCH, which stands for Toxoplasmosis, Other (syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Pathophysiology

Congenital infections occur when a pathogen crosses the placenta and infects the developing fetus. This can happen at any stage of pregnancy, but the effects on the fetus can vary depending on the timing of the infection. Early infections can lead to more severe outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or significant congenital anomalies.

Clinical Manifestations

The clinical manifestations of congenital infections can vary widely depending on the specific pathogen involved. Common signs and symptoms may include:

• Intrauterine growth restriction
• Microcephaly
• Hepatosplenomegaly
• Jaundice
• Rash
• Seizures
• Hearing loss

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of congenital infections typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and imaging studies. Common diagnostic methods include:

• Serological tests to detect specific antibodies
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify viral DNA or RNA
• Ultrasound to assess fetal development and detect anomalies

Management

Management of congenital infections depends on the specific pathogen and the severity of the infection. Treatment may include:

• Antiviral or antibiotic therapy
• Supportive care for symptoms
• Early intervention services for developmental delays

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Maternal screening and vaccination
• Avoidance of known risk factors during pregnancy
• Prenatal care and monitoring

Prognosis

The prognosis for infants with congenital infections varies widely. Some infections may result in mild or no symptoms, while others can lead to severe disability or death. Early detection and intervention can improve outcomes.

Also see

• Vertical transmission
• TORCH infections
• Prenatal care
• Neonatal infection

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