Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection in Newborns

The COVID-19 infection, which has been a pandemic since early 2020, can occur in pregnant women and can be transmitted to the baby after birth. There are few reports of this transmission in newborns. Because there are several causes for respiratory symptoms in a neonate, it is difficult to diagnose COVID-19 infection in the newborn. Evaluation of antibody in the blood umbilical cord may be an option in the future. We studied the COVID-19 infection in newborns.

In this longitudinal follow-up study, pregnant mothers who had suspicious symptomsof coronavirus infection before or after childbirth were consulted by the medical team for neonatal infection. Newborns were evaluated for respiratory symptoms. PCR test for corona virus was performed on pharyngeal swab or tracheal tube sample of the newborns.

Twenty-five pregnant women with symptoms suspicious coronavirus infections were consulted by the team of specialists from March 15 to April 15, 2020. After delivery their babies were carefully examined and followed up. Four neonates had coronavirus confirmed by PCR test.

Our study showed that neonates can become infected with Covid-19 and it should be considered amongst various differential diagnosis of neonatal respiratory diseases.