Conclusion

Subclinical perinatal infections exert direct fetal harm and make the fetus vulnerable to hypoxic damage. Numerically, this group of in­fections contribute a greater proportion of adverse outcome com­pared to specific bacterial or viral infection. Unfortunately, current clinical tests are targeted at the mother and are insensitive for the detection of intrauterine infection. Clinicians should consider intra­uterine infection in the fetus with FHR tachycardia particularly if there was MSAF. The ‘TORCHES' group of infections remain im­portant but with the introduction of screening and vaccines con­tribute fewer cases of adverse perinatal outcome.