Any infection with a predilection for a particular organ or type of tissue will have the same predilection in the fetus; and can be more destructive to a fetus because of the vulnerability of the developing fetus and lifetime duration of the chronic infection. Chlamydia pneumonia attacks cardiovascular tissue, lungs and brain; and can affect fetal development in the heart, cardiovascular tissue, and/or brain. Trachoma and psittacosis attack the central nervous system, lungs and eyes, and may similarly affect a fetus and cause central nervous system disease, lung disease, and/or eye disease. Toxoplasmosis can attack the brain, eyes and central nervous system, and similarly affect the brain, eyes and nervous system of a fetus. Toxoplasmosis acquired in utero can cause epilepsy, and/or regressive developmental disorders, in the fetus; and mental illness later in life.
CMV (cytomegalic virus) includes eight separate species, and is found in humans, monkeys and primates. CMV can be transmitted person-to-person, and 60-80% of people are infected during their lifetime. Transmission occurs via close contacts within the household or in close contact settings such as daycare. CMV is related to the herpes viruses, and once acquired, may become asymptomatic. CMV acquired in utero can lead to loss of eyesight or loss of hearing, five to seven years after birth. It is unknown if earlier diagnosis and treatment of CMV could prevent or delay childhood morbidity.