Fetal and neonatal infections

Several organisms cross the placenta, causing infections in the fetus that manifest differently depending on the organism and the time of acquisition during pregnancy. Neonates are relatively immunocompromised, and prematurity increases the risk of infection. Newborns acquire infections during delivery and breastfeeding (vertical infections) or in the neonatal period from the environment (horizontal acquisition). Hospital-acquired infections are common in neonatal intensive care units and can pose serious infection control issues. This chapter addresses the most common agents causing congenital and neonatal infections, their clinical manifestations, management and prophylaxis.