[Viruses relevant to the mother-child relationship]

Abstract

Virus that may infect the mother with serous consequences for the child include rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, hepatitis B, papilloma and AIDS. They may be transmitted from mother to child before, during or after delivery. Preventive measures include: a) vaccination of females against rubella; b) vaccination and administration of gammaglobulin anti-hepatitis B in newborns from infected mothers and c) cesarean section in pregnant women with genital infection by herpes or papilloma. Early treatment with anti-viral agents may help reduce the intensity of viral infections in the newborn. Thus, several measures must be considered in the prevention and treatment of fetal or neonatal viral infections.