Perinatal infections: prevention of long-term sequelae.

All the congenital infections and most of the natal and postnatally acquired infections of man are associated with disease of the central nervous system and long-term sequelae in the survivors. The most important perinatal pathogens in this regard are group B streptococcus, Escherichia coli and other coliform bacteria, cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasma gondii and herpes simplex virus. All these agents are the subject of active and, in some instances, promising investigation. The strategies for prevention are discussed here. Recent clinical trails of two cytomegalovirus vaccines (Towne 125 and AD 169) are considered in detail.