Fetal and neonatal infections

Neonates, particularly when born premature, are at high-risk of infections. Their immune system is immature rendering them immunocompromised hosts. Infections can be transmitted by the mother in utero, during delivery and breastfeeding (vertical transmission), or from the environment after delivery (horizontal acquisition). A number of organisms can cross the placenta during pregnancy, causing congenital infections. Others are acquired during delivery or in the neonatal period from the hospital environment or in the community. Hospital-acquired infections are very common in neonatal intensive care units and pose a serious problem of infection control.This article addresses the most common agents causing congenital and neonatal infections, their clinical manifestations, management and prophylaxis.