The document discusses perinatal infections in newborns and infants. It describes two main routes of infection - ascending infections transmitted through the birth canal which are often bacterial, and transplacental infections transmitted across the placenta which can include parasites and viruses. Common perinatal infections mentioned include Group B strep, Listeria, Candida, and viruses in the TORCH group like cytomegalovirus which can cause complications like mental retardation and blindness. Sepsis in newborns is categorized as either early onset within 7 days of birth often from pneumonia and Group B strep, or late onset after 7 days which can be caused by Listeria or Candida.

1. Pediatric Pathology
Pediatric Pathology
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2. 3. Perinatal Infections
3. Perinatal Infections
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3. Perinatal Infections
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Infections of fetus (after 20wks.) and neonate
Trans- cervical = Ascending
Mostly bacterial and few viral
Route of microbial entry – cervico -vaginal
Mode of infection ;- fetal inhalation of infected amniotic fluid or during passage
through birth canal
Risk factors ;- preterm baby, PPROM,
Pathologically ;- inflammation of membranes and cord
Clinically ;- MC are Pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis
Transplacental (hematologic)
Mostly parasitic and viral and few bacterial
Route of microbial entry; – Transplacental via villi
When?;- anytime during gestation or during labor (HBV, HIV)
Risk factors ;- preterm baby, PPROM,
pathologically -;- inflammation of membranes and cord
Clinically ;- Erythema infectiosum or 5th disease (Parvo B19) without any damage,
TORCH group – fever, encephalitis, chorioretinits, pneumonitis, Myocarditis,
hemolytic anemia
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Complications;- MR, Blindness (cataracts), Congenital Heart anomalies, bone
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4. Parvovirus B 19
Parvovirus B 19
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5. Perinatal Infections
• Sepsis
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Can be
Early onset = within 7 days of postnatal life; present with pneumonia and sepsis;
MCC – Group B strep. (MCC of bacterial meningitis);
Late onset = > 7days; Listeria and Candida
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