Neonatal and Childhood Infections Flashcards
What are congenital infections
Babies are born with congenital infections i.e. transmitted vertically from mother to baby
When during pregnancy can congenital infections occur
At any time during pregnancy - between the first trimester and birth
What infections are pregnant mothers screened for (6)
Rubella Syphilis Hepatitis B (+/- Hepatitis C) HIV \+/- toxoplasmosis \+/- varicella zoster virus (VZV)
What must always be considered in a sick neonate
Congenital infection
What are the TORCH infections that are important to screen for (5)
Toxoplasmosis Other - syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B/C, etc.... Rubella CMV (cytomegalovirus) HSV (herpes simplex virus)
What are some common features of congenital infections (5)
Mild/no apparent maternal infection Wide range of severity in the baby Similar clinical presentation Serological diagnosis Long term sequelae if untreated
What are some general clinical features of congenital infections (5)
Thrombocytopenia Other:ears/ eyes Rash Cerebral abnormalities/ microcephaly / meningoencephalitis Hepatosplenomegaly/ hepatitis/ jaundice
What are the two presentations of toxoplasmosis
Asymptomatic at birth - 60% but may still go on to suffer long-term sequelae (deafness, low IQ, microcephaly)
Symptomatic at birth - 40% choroidoretinitis, microcephaly/hydrocephalus, intracranial calcification, seizures, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly
How is toxoplasmosis transmitted to humans
Cats
What effects does congenital rubella syndrome have on the foetus
Depends on the time of the infection
What is the mechanism of action of congenital rubella syndrome (3)
Mitotic arrest of cells
Angiopathy
Growth inhibitor effect
What effect does congenital rubella syndrome have on the eyes (4)
Cararacts
Microphthalmia
Glaucoma
Retonopathy
What are the cardiovascular effects of congenital rubella syndrome (3)
PDA
PAS
ASD/VSD
What are the effects of congenital rubella syndrome of the ears
Deafness
What are the effects of congenital rubella syndrome on the brain (3)
Microcephaly
Meningoencephalitis
Developmental Delay
What misc effects can congenital rubella syndrome have (5)
Growth retardation Bone disease Hepatosplenomegaly Thrombocytopenia Rash
What are some important congenital infections to be aware of (8)
Hepatitis B/C HIV Syphilis Listeria monocytogenes GBS Chlamydia trachomatis Mycoplasma Parvovirus
When is chlamydia transmitter to the newborn
During delivery
What does neonatal chlamydia cause (2)
Neonatal conjunctivitis
Pneumonia
How is neonatal chlamydia treated
Erythromycin
Is the mother always symptomatic with chlamydia infections
Mother may be asymptomatic
When is the neonatal period
1st 6 weeks of life
In a preterm baby, what is the neonatal period
If born early (premature infant) the neonatal period is longer and is adjusted for expected birth date
What differs from adults in neonatal infections (3)
Higher incidence of infections
Can become ill very quickly and seriously
Unlike adults - need to treat with antibiotics at first suspicion of infection
Why are neonates at risk of infections (2)
Immature host defences
Increased risk with prematurity
Why does prematurity increase susceptibility to infections (3)
Less maternal IgG
NICU care
Exposure to microorganisms - colonisation and infection
What is early onset neonatal infection
Usually within 48hours of birth
What organisms are associated with early onset neonatal infection (4)
Group B Streptococci
E.coli
Listeria
Others: other streptococci, haemophilus species, anaerobes
What do group B streptococci look like
Gram positive cocci
What are the features of group B steptococci (4)
Gram positive cocci
Catalase negative
Beta-haemolytic
Lacefield group B
What does group B streptococci cause in neonates (3)
Bacteraemia
Meningitis
Disseminated infection (e.g. joint infections)
What does e.coli look like
Gram negative rod