Prenatal infections

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Prenatal Infections
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Synonyms	Congenital infections, Vertical transmissions
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Prenatal infections refer to infections that are passed from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy. These infections can lead to serious health problems for the baby, including birth defects, neonatal infections, and even stillbirth. Understanding, preventing, and treating these infections is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of both the mother and the child.

Causes

Prenatal infections can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Some of the most common agents include:

• Toxoplasma gondii (Toxoplasmosis)
• Rubella virus (Rubella)
• Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• Zika virus (Zika fever)
• Syphilis (Treponema pallidum)
• HIV (AIDS)

Transmission

The transmission of infections from mother to fetus can occur in several ways:

• Transplacental transmission: The pathogen crosses the placenta and infects the fetus.
• Peripartum transmission: The infection is transmitted during the process of childbirth.
• Postnatal transmission: The infection is passed to the newborn through breastfeeding or close contact after birth.

Symptoms and Effects

The symptoms and effects of prenatal infections vary widely depending on the pathogen involved. Common outcomes include:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Birth defects (e.g., heart defects, microcephaly)
• Neonatal sepsis
• Developmental delays

Prevention

Preventive measures against prenatal infections include:

• Vaccination against diseases like rubella and influenza before or during pregnancy
• Regular prenatal care to screen for and manage infections
• Practicing good hygiene to reduce the risk of infections
• Avoiding contact with known sources of infection (e.g., raw meat, cat litter)

Treatment

Treatment for prenatal infections depends on the specific pathogen involved. It may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Antiviral drugs for viral infections
• Antiparasitic drugs for parasitic infections

See Also

• Pregnancy
• Infectious disease
• Neonatology

Prenatal infections Resources
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