Presentation Information

Congenital Infections: What’s Old Is Back Again

• Speaker: Debbie Fraser , NNP, MN, CNeon(C)
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME

Abstract:

We think of the fetus as living in an impenetrable environment, protected from the outside elements. While most bacteria are too large to cross the placental barrier or infiltrate the amniotic membranes, some bacteria, viruses and parasites are capable of reaching the fetus and causing intrauterine infections. Over the years, the list of organisms responsible for these infections has grown with the addition of pathogens such HIV and West Nile Virus. Most recently, a resurgence of congenital syphilis has been identified in newborns born to women with an active infection in pregnancy. This session will review pathogens responsible for intrauterine infection with particular attention to congenital syphilis. A review of the effects of these infections will be accompanied by a discussion of the diagnosis, management and prognosis of intrauterine infections.