[Congenital and perinatal infections]

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Congenital and perinatal infections pose a significant health risk to newborns globally and in Brazil.
• These infections can lead to severe long-term sequelae in infants, with many remaining asymptomatic at birth.
• Key pathogens include *T. pallidum*, hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and *T. gondii*.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on congenital and perinatal infections.
• Focus on epidemiology in Brazil, mother-to-infant transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies.
• Evaluate specific agents like *T. pallidum*, HBV, HIV, CMV, and *T. gondii*.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published literature from the past 10 years.
• Electronic database search using Medline.
• Inclusion of studies focusing on epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Main Results:

• Congenital or perinatal infections occur in up to 10% of newborns.
• Brazilian data, though limited, highlight the relevance of infections by *T. pallidum*, HIV, and CMV.
• Over 50% of infected newborns are asymptomatic, underscoring the need for early detection.
• Advanced laboratory methods, including IgA/IgM antibody detection and PCR, enable early fetal/neonatal diagnosis.
• Current treatments show limited efficacy in altering infant prognosis.

Conclusions:

• Congenital and perinatal infections represent a substantial public health concern.
• Significant advancements have been made in preventive measures and laboratory diagnostic techniques.
• Further research into novel treatments and outcome studies is crucial for improving infant prognosis.