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Maternofetal transmission of infection

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Uncommon Infections and Special Topics

Part of the book series: Infections in Reproductive Health ((IRHC,volume 2))

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Abstract

Our present understanding of perinatal infections has mostly accrued from analyzing the perinatal outcome of pregnancy after epidemics and pandemics involving various microbes. The 1964–1965 rubella epidemic, and the thousands of congenital defects that developed as a result of it, provided some insights about pregnancy and intrauterine infections. The otherwise healthy placental barrier, which provides the germ-free and immunologically incompetent fetus with protection and warmth for survival, is compromised by perinatal pathogens. This may happen as a result of primary maternal infection or by the reactivation of a latent infection during pregnancy. The perinatal outcome varies widely, ranging from no fetal involvement to spontaneous abortions, still births, developmental defects, and chronic postnatal infections.

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Authors
  1. A. H. Basalamah
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  2. F. E. Serebour
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Medical School, USA

    Louis G. Keith MD, FACOG (Professor, Attending Obstetrician-Gynecologist) (Professor, Attending Obstetrician-Gynecologist)

  2. The Prentice Women’s Hospital and Medical Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA

    Louis G. Keith MD, FACOG (Professor, Attending Obstetrician-Gynecologist) (Professor, Attending Obstetrician-Gynecologist)

  3. Chapel Hill Fertility Services, USA

    Gary S. Berger MD, MSPH, FACOG (Director, Adjunct Associate Professor) (Director, Adjunct Associate Professor)

  4. Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

    Gary S. Berger MD, MSPH, FACOG (Director, Adjunct Associate Professor) (Director, Adjunct Associate Professor)

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© 1985 MTP Press Limited

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Basalamah, A.H., Serebour, F.E. (1985). Maternofetal transmission of infection. In: Keith, L.G., Berger, G.S. (eds) Uncommon Infections and Special Topics. Infections in Reproductive Health, vol 2. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4902-7_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-4902-7_16

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8671-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-4902-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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