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,…

Congenital syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum, which is acquired from a mother who was infected during pregnancy, or who had inadequately treated syphilis.

Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which the fetus acquires when the mother has an acute infection. Fetal damage is most likely to occur if infection is acquired during the 2nd-6th month of gestation. 70% of infants are either…

Bilirubin encephalopathy is neurological damage that is caused by high levels of unconjugated bilirubin. Unconjugated bilirubin anion is unbound to albumin, enabling it to cross the blood-brain barrier, enter neurons, and disrupt energy metabolism, ultimately causing death. Definition of terms…

Phototherapy Phototherapy is a core treatment for neonatal jaundice. It works by converting unconjugated bilirubin into water-soluble isomers that can be excreted without conjugation by the liver. A wavelength of 460-490 nm (blue light) is the most effective. A higher…

Alagille syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of the liver, heart, and kidneys that results in bile duct paucity, which impairs the ability of hepatocytes to efficiently release conjugated bilirubin. It is caused by a JAG1 mutation. It can be…