Congenital Infections
A congenital infection happens when a virus is passed to a baby during pregnancy or delivery.
What is Congenital Infections?
A congenital (present at birth) infection is caused by a virus. The infection is passed to the baby through the placenta during pregnancy, or may be in the birth canal during delivery.
When an unborn fetus or infant (birth to 1 year*) catches the virus, the effects of the virus are much more severe. These children may suffer from cognitive disorders, hearing loss, autism spectrum disorder or other complications. In extreme cases, a congenital infection may be life-threatening.
What are the different types of Congenital Infections?
The types of viruses that may cause congenital infections include:
Chlamydia trachomatis
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Group B streptococcus
Hepatitis B
Herpes simplex
Human immune deficiency virus (HIV)
Mycoplasmosis
Parvovirus
Rubella (German measles)
Syphilis
Toxoplasmosis
Varicella zoster (chicken pox)
What are the signs and symptoms of Congenital Infections?
Symptoms of congenital infections may be seen during or after pregnancy.
Symptoms during pregnancy
- Blood test for both mother and baby show signs of virus
- Symptoms of the virus found in the pregnant mother
- Ultrasound test shows signs of abnormal physical condition of fetus
Symptoms after pregnancy
- Abnormal appearance
- Enlarged abdominal organs
- Eye conditions
- Heart murmur
- Jaundice
- Large head
- Seizures
- Skin rashes
- Small head
*Age of infants as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).