Abstract
The spectrum of central nervous system congenital infections has expanded in the last years, moving from the traditional TORCHS syndrome (toxoplasmosis, rubella, citomegalovirus, herpes simplex, syphilis) towards a wide variety of infectious agents that include human immunodeficiency virus, varicella virus, enteroviruses, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and other neurotropic viruses. The aim of this review is to deepen into the mechanisms of central nervous system involvement in congenital infections and to describe the clinical manifestations with emphasis in neurological signs and symptoms. A high percentage of these infections remain undiagnosed in the newborn and become evident at late infancy or preschool age. Early detection and treatment depend on prenatal screening and high clinical suspicion and permit interventions that minimize long term neurological sequelae.
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