A Fatal Case of Poliomyelitis in a Newborn Infant Delivered by Cesarean Section Following Maternal Death Due to Poliomyelitis

Abstract

A fatal case of poliomyelitis in a newborn is reported. The case is important as the infant was delivered by cesarean section within a few minutes after maternal death due to acute poliomyelitis. The same immunological strain of poliomyelitis virus was isolated from both infant and mother. While positive proof is not offered, this case plus a review of the literature offers strong evidence that transplacental transfer of the poliomyelitis virus can occur.