Neonatal Infections and TORCH Overview

Neonatal Infections

• Neonatal infections are infections in infants.
• Latex allergies are important to be aware of in infants.
• Hospitals should have options for non-latex gloves and probe covers.
• Infants with spina bifida have a natural sensitivity to latex.
• TORCH is an acronym for congenital infections.
• TORCH infections are acquired during pregnancy.
• TORCH infections cause microcephaly, cerebral edema, and cerebral calcifications.
• TORCH infections are transmitted to the unborn child in the womb.
• If a mother is exposed to any of these infections in the first five months of pregnancy, the baby may die or suffer serious problems.
• TORCH includes Toxoplasmosis, Other Infections (Hepatitis B, Syphilis, Herpes zoster), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex Virus.

Toxoplasmosis

• Toxoplasmosis is a parasite carried by the feline family.
• Pregnant women should avoid cat litter boxes.

Other Infections, Rubella

• Other infections include Hepatitis B, Herpes zoster (chicken pox and shingles), and Rubella (German measles).
• Most women are vaccinated for these prior to conception.

CMV - Cytomegalovirus

• CMV is a type of herpes virus.
• Pregnant health care workers should avoid CMV positive patients.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

• Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 causes genital herpes.
• Herpes Simplex Virus can be spread through unprotected sexual contact.
• The virus can be spread to the fetus during vaginal delivery.
• If a pregnant woman has an active outbreak, a C-section is usually performed.

Acquired Infections

• Infections that occur after birth.
• Beta Strep or Group B Strep
  • A bacteria that lives in humans.
  • About 25% of women are carriers that are not aware of it.
  • Women are tested around 37 weeks gestation.
  • If a woman tests positive, she is put on IV antibiotics during delivery.
  • During a vaginal birth, an infant can be exposed to the bacteria in the vagina, affecting their lungs, spinal cord, and brain.
  • Unknown exposure can cause issues after birth if a woman is a carrier.
• E. Coli
  • Can be caused by eating undercooked beef
  • Poor hygiene, such as improper handwashing techniques, can lead to transmission.
  • Can cause diarrhea and severe dehydration.
• Hemophilus Influenza
  • Can cause meningitis and meningoencephalitis
  • It is essential that staff remain aware of their health status during patient care, especially with infants.
• Cycticercosis
  • A parasitic infection from a pork tapeworm.
  • People with livestock should be extra cautious around infants since infections can be spread on skin and clothing.

Nosocomial Infections

• Infections acquired during the course of medical care.
• 95% of healthcare-associated infections are pneumonia cases from mechanical ventilation.
• 91% complications are from IV lines.
• 77% UTIs are from urinary catheters.

Infants - Heat Loss

• Infants lose heat through four ways: evaporation (amniotic fluid), radiation (to cooler objects), convection (to cooler air), and conduction (to cold surfaces).
• Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT)
  • BAT's function is to transfer heat energy from fat.
  • Essential for non-shivering thermogenesis.
  • Neonates and infants cannot or may not shiver.
  • Feeding results in the activation of BAT to help avoid hypothermia.
• Heating units help with body temperature of the infants.
• Temperature probes should be placed on the abdomen, preferably over the liver.