8. Neonatal and Childhood Infections Flashcards
What infections are currently screened for during pregnancy?
Hep B, HIV, rubella, syphilis
What is currently NOT screened but possible?
CMV (most common cause of congenital deafness in the UK), toxoplasmosis, Hep C, Group B Streptococcus
What is the old mnemonic used to consider infections?
TORCH screen - toxoplasmosis, other (e.g. syphilis, HIV, hepatitis), rubella, CMV, HSV
What are common clinical features of congenital infections?
Mild/no apparent maternal infection; wide range of severity in the baby; similar clinical presentation; serological diagnosis; long-term sequelae if untreated.
What are examples of common clinical features?
Thrombocytopaenia; rash; cerebral abnormalities; hepatosplenomegaly/ hepatitis/ jaundice
How does toxoplasmosis start and end up in humans?
The acute infection will start off in a cat. It produces faeces containing oocysts. Mice and birds eat the faeces. Cats eat birds and mice. This ends up becoming a cycle. Having cats as pets can mean that the oocysts get ingested by humans.
What percentage of those with congenital toxoplasmosis are asymptomatic at birth and what long term effects might they have?
May be asymptomatic (60%) at birth but may still go on to have long-term sequelae such as: deafness, low IQ, microcephaly.
What percentage of those with congenital toxoplasmosis are symptomatic at birth and what long term effects might they have?
40%? Choroidoretinitis, microcephaly/hydrocephalus, intracranial calcificiations, seizures, hepatosplenomegaly/jaundice.
What is the mechanism of congenital rubella syndrome?
Mitotic arrest of cells, angiopathy, growth inhibitor effect
What is the classical triad of congenital rubella syndrome?
Cataracts, congenital heart disease (PDA is not common), deafness
What are other features of congenital rubella syndrome?
Microphthalmia, glaucoma, retinopathy, ASD/VSD, microcephaly, meningoencephalopathy, developmental delay, growth retardation, bone disease, hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopaenia, rash
How does HSV present?
Can spread to the neonate through the genital tract, can cause blistering and rash, disseminated infection with liver dysfunction and meningoencephalitis. (Infection control is particularly important)
How is Chlamydia trachomitis transmitted?
During delivery, mother may be asymptomatic.
What does Chlamydia trachomitis cause?
Causes neonatal conjunctivitis or pneumonia (RARE)
How is Chlamydia trachomatis treated?
Erythromycin
What mycoplasma species may cause a congenital disease?
Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum
What is the neonatal period?
Generally the first 4-6 weeks of life. If born premature, the neonatal period is longer and is adjusted for the expected birth date
Why are premature neonates at an increased risk of infection?
Less maternal IgG, NICU care, exposure to micro-organisms, colonisation and infection
What organisms cause early-onset infection (within 48 hours of birth)
(*Some definitions say 3-5 days). Organisms: Group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes
What organism is Gram-positive coccus, catalase-negative and beta-haemolytic?
Group B Streptococcus (it is Lancefield Group B)
What proportion of women are colonised by GBS in their vagina?
1/3
What can Group B Streptococcus cause in neonates?
Bacteraemia, meningitis, disseminated infection
What is gram-negative rods? (NOTE: K1 antigen is particularly problematic)
Escherichia coli
What organism is gram-positive rods, can cause sepsis in both mother and baby and is catastrophic?
Listeria monocytogenes
What are maternal risk factors for early-onset sepsis?
PROM/premature labour, fever, foetal distress, meconium staining, previous history
What are signs of early-onset sepsis?
Birth asphyxia, resp. distress, low BP, acidosis, hypoglycaemia, neutropenia, rash, hepatosplenomegaly, jaundice
What are investigations for early-onset sepsis?
FBC, CRP, blood culture, deep ear swab, LP, surface swabs, CXR
What is treatment for early-onset sepsis?
Supportive: ventilation, circulation, nutrition, antibiotics e.g. benzylpenicillin and gentamicin (this choice of antibiotics tends to be used because GBS is treated by benzylpencillin and E.coli is treated by gentamicin)
When does late-onset sepsis occur?
After 48-72 hours