title: Congenital infections and the nervous system.
abstract: Despite vaccines, new antimicrobials, and improved hygienic practices, congenital infections remain an important cause of death and long-term neurologic morbidity among infants world-wide. Important agents include Toxoplasma gondii, cytomegalovirus, Treponema pallidum, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, and rubella virus. In addition, several other agents, such as the varicella zoster virus, human parvovirus B19, and Borrelia burgdorferi, can potentially infect the fetus and cause adverse fetal outcomes. This article provides an overview of these infectious disorders and outlines current strategies for acute treatment and long-term management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Bale
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Murph
mesh_terms: D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000151:congenital* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012410:Rubella Syndrome, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013590:Syphilis, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D014125:Toxoplasmosis, Congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital