Congenital and Perinatal Infections

Diagnosis of Congenital and Perinatal Infections provides essential information on infections that are transmitted in utero, during the birth process, and shortly after birth (through breastfeeding). The book discusses approaches to the diagnosis of specific micro-oraganisms that may cause congenital or perinatal infections. The discussion includes both an approach to the pregnant women who is at risk for infection and the approach to the diagnosis of her fetus (if applicable) and infant. The first five chapters discuss the epidemiology of these infections, including the scope of the problem, and the routes by which transmission occurs. In the first chapter, there is specific section about micro-organisms that may be transmited through breast feeding. The next two chapters focuses on a general discussion of serologic and other assays used for diagnosis of infection including antigen assays and PCR. The last two chapters provide information prenatally and a discussion of how placenatal pathology may be essential primer for all obstetricians, neonatologists, pediatricians and family physicians treating patients with perinatal infections.