Which infection is NOT transmitted transplacentally?

• A. Gonorrhea
• B. Rubella
• C. Syphilis
• D. CMV

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how infections reach the fetus: some cross the placenta during pregnancy (transplacental transmission), while others are more likely to affect the baby around the time of birth (perinatal transmission) or after birth.

Rubella, syphilis, and CMV are classic examples that readily cross the placental barrier and can cause congenital infections, leading to significant fetal or newborn complications such as congenital rubella syndrome, congenital syphilis, or congenital CMV-related sequelae.

Gonorrhea, on the other hand, is not typically transmitted transplacentally. The newborn usually acquires Neisseria gonorrhoeae during passage through the birth canal, which can lead to ophthalmia neonatorum and, less commonly, other invasive newborn infections. Because the primary route is exposure during delivery, it is not considered a transplacental infection.