Prenatal and Neonatal Infections of the Central Nervous System.

Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections of the central nervous system of the newborn are uncommon but severe and can result in devastating brain injury. These pathogens have their own pattern of brain lesions. Cranial ultrasound and MRI can, therefore, already suggest the causative pathogen. Brain lesions can evolve and repeat neuro-imaging is important to either diagnose abscess formation, cystic evolution, or hydrocephalus. Outcome varies considerably among the different pathogens, and long-term follow-up is recommended.