16^th International Virology Summit

Neonatal Infections

Newborns are particularly susceptible to certain diseases, much more so than older children and adults. Their new immune systems aren't adequately developed to fight the bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause these infections. These infections may occur at delivery time and also from external sources after birth. In case of utero infection, infection may occur before birth consequences depend on time of infection, spontaneous abortion, premature birth. Common viral agents are herpes virus, hepatitis B, unless virus transmits transplacentally. Bacterial agents include streptococci, enteric gram negative organisms.