Maternal and neonatal infection with coxsackievirus

Evidence is growing that relates maternal coxsackievirus infection to increased neonatal mortality and an increase of congenital anomalies. Four cases of fulminant perinatal coxsackievirus infections that were fatal to the newborns are presented. Coxsackievirus infections in pregnancy are usually either subclinical or produce minimal symptoms in the mother. The cases presented point out the potential severity of coxsackievirus infections in the neonatal period. Prevention of the disease and isolation of infected individuals are the mainstays of therapy.