Diagnosis of fetal infections.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this review is to present recent developments in the prenatal diagnosis of the most clinically relevant congenital infections.


RESULTS
Immunoglobin G avidity testing can help to differentiate between recent or prior infection. A combination of tests, including serology, avidity and polymerase chain reaction, may be necessary to improve accuracy of diagnosis. The interval between exposure to an infectious agent and prenatal testing can be critical to the interpretation of the test result.


CONCLUSIONS
This review reinforces the need for accurate testing to guide appropriate counseling and individual fetal risk assessment. The findings of viral-specific antibodies or sonographic abnormalities do not accurately predict the severity or outcome of fetal infection. Further research is necessary to determine the pathogenesis of transplacental viral transmission and thereby allow us to target prevention strategies.
Andrews
Janet I
JI
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1080, USA. janet-andrews@uiowa.edu
D000915:Antibody Affinity; D002644:Chickenpox / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000196:embryology; D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000196:embryology; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry; D005315:Fetal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology / Q000821:virology; D005333:Fetus / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007239:Infections / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000196:embryology / Q000635:transmission; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D017992:Parvovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D012409:Rubella / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000196:embryology; D012698:Serologic Tests; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000196:embryology
D007074:Immunoglobulin G