[Diagnostic possibilities for the prevention and identification of intrauterine infections (author's transl)].

The demonstration of antibody titer movements in the hemagglutination inhibition test, in the complement fixation test and a differentiation between IgM and IgG antibodies allow information to be obtained on the age of an intra-uterine rubella infection. Specific IgM antibodies in neonates are reliable evidence, because the maternal IgM antibodies cannot cross the placenta. A rise in total IgM level in cord blood does not, on the other hand, indicate an embryopathy in every case. In contradistinction to rubella, cytomegaly and herpes simplex virus can be comparatively easily and quickly cultivated, so that identification of the virus is of use for clinical purposes. Of 2360 children investigated in our laboratory from 1969-1974, 120 certainly and 57 extremely probably showed rubella embryopathies.