Dear Colleagues,

Infections are a major contributing factor to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pregnant women may encounter numerous bacteria and viruses during pregnancy. Although the unique maternal-fetal vascular architecture can prevent maternal-fetal infection in some cases, in other cases it can lead to transmission to the fetus. Moreover, pregnant women are more likely to develop severe illness after infection because of physiological changes to their immune and cardiopulmonary systems. Many factors including maternal serological status, gestational age at the time of infection, mode of acquisition, and the immunological status of the mother and fetus can influence the outcome for both. CEOG is therefore preparing a special issue on “Infectious diseases in pregnancy” that will include a collection of manuscripts providing new evidence or summarizing the most recent advances in perinatal infection. We would like to cover all pathogens that impact maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes. We hope you will contribute your valuable work in this important field.

Dr. Masatoki Kaneko

Guest Editor