[The importance of the vertical transmission of enteroviruses in the epidemiology of congenital viral infections].

A total of 814 newborns were examined using a highly sensitive method of indication of viral antigens. A high incidence of congenital viral infection was revealed: 450 per 1000 live-born children. Enteroviral infections (mainly Coxsackie) ranked first in prevalence. These infections in the newborns are mainly caused by the vertical transmission of enteroviruses from mothers with persistent forms of infections. Virtually all the other viruses (influenza viruses, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, parainfluenza, measles, and rubella viruses) are detected in the newborns included in the group at a high risk of vertical transmissions of enteroviral infections. In the majority of cases the said viruses were detected in association with enteroviruses.