Prevention and Management of Perinatal Major Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Perinatal infection is the leading cause of fetal and neonatal mortality and is directly related to childhood morbidity. Perinatal infections cause abnormal growth, delayed development, and many other clinical problems in newborns. In particular, TORCH syndrome can cause serious fetal and neonatal health problems through vertical infection, and timely diagnosis and treatment through regular antenatal examinations are important. There are no therapeutic options or vaccines for parvovirus or cytomegalovirus. Therefore, prevention is the most important method. In the case of toxoplasmosis, prenatal education is important because it can be prevented through hygiene management, although there are therapeutic drugs. Syphilis has a high prevalence, so early diagnosis is important. Rubella and varicella zoster infections can lead to fatal results in vertical transmission to the fetus. Therefore, preconception vaccination should be performed. Women with herpes simplex, which has a high prevalence in the community, need to be mindful when choosing a childbirth method by evaluating the infection through regular prenatal care to prevent vertical infection. Seasonal flu is rarely transmitted vertically to the fetus, but the morbidity and mortality risk to the mother is higher than that of the general population. Thus, prevention through vaccination is important. Lastly, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection has yet to be well studied, although the mother's morbidity and mortality are similar to those of the general population and there is no evidence of vertical infection. Since the findings of the effects on the mother and fetus are limited, transmission should be prevented through social distancing and personal hygiene practices.