Congenital infections in Hong Kong: beyond TORCH
KL Hon, Karen Ka Yan Leung, Alexander K. C. Leung, Elim Man, Patrick Ip
Abstract
, Zika virus, and parvovirus B19. This overview aims to describe various congenital infections beyond TORCH with a Hong Kong perspective. Intrauterine and perinatal infections are a major cause of in utero death and neonatal mortality, and an important contributor to childhood morbidity. A high index of suspicion for congenital infections and awareness of the prominent features of the most common congenital infections can help to facilitate early diagnosis, tailor appropriate diagnostic evaluation, and initiate appropriate early treatment. Intrauterine infections should be suspected in newborns with clinical features including microcephaly, seizures, cataract, hearing loss, congenital heart disease, hepatosplenomegaly, small for gestational age, and/or rash. Primary prevention of maternal infections during pregnancy is key to the prevention of congenital infection, and resources (if available) should focus on public health promotion and pre-marital counselling.