The section on sexually transmitted infections discusses syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, gonococcus and HIV.
| STI | Aetiology | Implications in pregnancy | Diagnostic test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syphilis | Treponema pallidum | Miscarriage, stillbirth, FGR, neonatal death or disease or latent infection | Serological tests |
| Herpes | Herpes simplex virus | Neonatal herpes; localised neurological or disseminated infection | Direct detection by PCR |
| Chlamydia | C. trachomatis | Neonatal infection; conjunctivitis, pneumonia, chlamydial ophthalmia Controversial: preterm rupture of membranes, preterm delivery and neonatal death | NAATs and POCTs |
| Gonococcus | Neisseria gonorrhoeae | Preterm birth and premature rupture of membranes Neonatal infection; Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum and (rarely) neonatal sepsis | Culture tests on selective media |
| HIV | Human immunodeficiency virus | Vertical transmission of HIV | Serological tests for HIV antibodies and the p24 antigen Consideration for rapid POCTs in certain circumstances |
The following review article is recommended as a general introduction to the topic:
