Pregnancy and Infection Flashcards
Which infections in pregnancy are ONLY harmful to the foetus?
Toxoplasmosis, HSV, syphilis, parvovirus B19, CMV, rubella
Which infections in pregnancy can be harmful to the mother and baby?
Hepatitis, VZV and HIV
Which infections in pregnancy are just harmful to the mother?
Influenza
TORCH - this is an acronym for the infections in pregnancy that can harm the foetus, what does it stand for?
Toxoplasmosis Other Rubella Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Herpes simplex virus
How is cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmitted?
Saliva, blood, sex, organ transplantation or via mother
When is CMV most likely to be passed onto a foetus?
If the mother gets a primary CMV infection in the first trimester
What are the complications of congenital cytomegalovirus infection (CMV)?
Sensorineural deafness, intrauterine growth retardation, hepatosplenomegaly and microcephaly
What is the commonest congenital cause of sensorineural hearing loss?
Congenital CMV infection
How is varicella zoster virus (VZV) transmitted?
Extremely infection - droplet and airborne transmission
Which virus causes chicken pox?
Varicella zoster virus (VZV)
What virus causes shingles?
Varicella zoster virus (VZV)
What are the complications of congenital varicella syndrome (infection with VZV)?
Skin lesions causing limb hypoplasia, microcephaly, hydrocephaly, neurodevelopment delay, eye problems, GI problems, miscarriage.
How may a child acquire neonatal VZV?
If the mother gets infected with VZV around the time of delivery
What name is rubella also known by?
German measles
Which virus is responsible for ‘slapped cheek’?
Parvovirus 19
What is the cellular target of parvovirus 19?
Slapped cheek - targets erythrocytes
Which bacteria is responsible for toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasma gondii (natural host is the cat)
What are the risk factors for developing toxoplasmosis?
Eating cured meat, eating raw meat, gardening and owning a cat
What are the consequences of congenital toxoplasmosis?
Intrauterine growth retardation, hydrocephalus, cerebral calcification, microcephaly and hepatosplenomegaly
What bacteria causes syphilis?
Treponema pallidum
What are the consequences of congenital syphilis?
In first two years: osteochondritis, rash, rhinorrhoea.
After two years: Clutton’s joints, Hutchinson’s teeth, deafness, high-arched palate
What is Hutchinson’s triad and what does it suggest?
Suggests congenital syphilis.
Deafness, Hutchinson’s teeth and interstitial keratitis
What infections are investigated in the week 12 antenatal screen?
Hepatitis B, HIV, syphilis, CMV, toxoplasma and VZV
