**1. Introduction**

Maternal infections during pregnancy can have a direct impact on the developing fetus and in some infections can result in fetal demise. It is extremely important to screen women for infections when it is available and practical and to treat when necessary. The current screening tests recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists include rubella, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Group B streptococcus (GBS), tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections including syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea if risk factors are present [1]. The incidence of congenital infections in infants varies, with syphilis increasing dramatically from 639 cases in 2016 to over 1300 cases in 2018 in the United States [2]. Additionally, congenital cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster virus and herpes simplex virus diagnoses have increased over the last five decades [3]. Rubella has decreased since the introduction of Rubella immunization; prior to utilization of the immunization, over 100,000 infants were born worldwide with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). By 2014, a 95% decrease in cases of CRS was observed in countries that followed the immunization schedule [4]. Thus, it is critically important that research efforts continue to prioritize the development of immunizations and treatments plans for all viruses that can result in congenital fetal infection in an attempt to minimize the substantial long-term morbidities that result.
