MRCEM Notes

Congenital infections

The major congenital infections encountered in examinations are rubella, toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus

Cytomegalovirus is the most common congenital infection in the UK. Maternal infection is usually asymptomatic

RubellaToxoplasmosisCytomegalovirus
Characteristic featuresSensorineural deafness
Congenital cataracts
Congenital heart disease (e.g. patent ductus arteriosus)
Glaucoma
Cerebral calcification
Chorioretinitis
Hydrocephalus
Growth retardation
Purpuric skin lesions
Other featuresGrowth retardation
Hepatosplenomegaly
Purpuric skin lesions
'Salt and pepper' chorioretinitis
Microphthalmia
Cerebral palsy
Anaemia
Hepatosplenomegaly
Cerebral palsy
Sensorineural deafness
Encephalitis/seizures
Pneumonitis
Hepatosplenomegaly
Anaemia
Jaundice
Cerebral palsy
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