<unk> s represent the most important  causes of permanent disability among children worldwide. Referred to it  by the acronym TORCH, denoting Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes virus,etc, it can result in  congenital<unk> s from only a modest number of human pathogens which cross the placenta and infect the fetus. Although congenital rubella syndrome has been eliminated in the Americas by immunization, several pathogens discussed in this chapter cannot currently
be prevented by vaccines or effectively treated with the available antimicrobial drugs. Due to the immaturity of the immune system, newborn infants are at risk for postnatally acquired<unk> s with certain viruses and several bacteria. This chapter summarizes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of selected pathogens that can damage the developing nervous system. As emphasized by the persisting challenges of preventing congenital cytomegalovirus<unk>  and the emergence of severe brain damage associated with congenital Zika syndrome, these pathogens remain important causes of cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and intellectual disability.
Perinatal infection
Neonatal sepsis
Perinatal asphyxia
Fetal methotrexate syndrome
Maternal immunization
Premature birth
Forceps in childbirth
Stillbirth