Neisseria gonorrhea and Chlamydia trachomatis can be acquired when neonates pass through the birth canal.

All mothers should be screened for HBsAg as part of routine antenatal care. 95% of HBV transmissions occur during delivery. Hepatitis B is not a contraindication to breastfeeding.

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is acquired from a mother who is carrying GBS in her vaginal flora, without circulating anti-GBS IgG. The neonate will not have passive immunity against GBS once they are exposed in the birth canal. The sequelae…

Congenital varicella is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which is acquired from a mother who contracts the virus for the first time during pregnancy. The time in pregnancy during which the mother contracts VZV has important implications. Primary…

Congenital HSV is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is acquired from a mother with active genital herpes lesions, particularly if there are experiencing their first herpes outbreak during pregnancy, since antibodies will not be sufficiently transferred to…

Congenital CMV is caused by the cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is acquired from a mother who is exposed to CMV for the first time during pregnancy (particularly the first half of pregnancy) In immunocompetent mothers, infection with CMV is inconsequential since…

Congenital rubella is caused by the rubella virus, which is acquired from a mother who was infected during the pregnancy (particularly the first trimester). It is uncommon due to immunisation. The mother may be unvaccinated, with symptoms of infection (rash,…