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Congenital Infection Program

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When you are pregnant, your greatest priority is protecting the health of your baby. A congenital infection is caused by a virus or bacteria. The infection is passed to the baby during pregnancy or may be in the birth canal during delivery.

If you are concerned about a congenital infection and wonder whether your child could be affected, turn to the experts in the Congenital Infection Program at Children’s National Hospital.


Our Providers

Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.

Contact Information

To make an appointment, please call 1-888-884-BEAR (2327). For information, call 202-476-7409.

We are one of the first comprehensive congenital infection programs in the country, dedicated to providing care during and after your pregnancy.

Choosing Children’s National for Congenital Infection Care

Children’s National is home to one of the first specialized programs for congenital infections in the region, and we are dedicated to providing your child with the best possible care.

Highlights of our program include:

  • Unparalleled expertise and care. Our team of experts provide expecting families with a comprehensive diagnosis and care plan. As one of the first comprehensive specialty programs in the country, we have the right team and expertise to ensure that you receive quality care and treatment. Meet our team.
  • Innovative research that can help your child. Our program, a collaboration between the Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute and Division of Infectious Disease, is led by Sarah B. Mulkey, M.D., Ph.D., and Roberta DeBiasi, M.D., two of the foremost experts in their fields. Together, they lead a team of physicians and scientists who are involved in ongoing research working toward furthering understanding the impact of congenital infections on the developing brain.
  • Seamless process with support services. Our program’s specialists are here to provide you and your doctor with an accurate and streamlined diagnosis and management plan. In addition, our compassionate care coordinators will work closely with you to streamline testing and schedule follow-up tests as needed.

What is a Congenital Infection?

Congenital Infections We Treat

Deciding on Diagnosis and Care for Congenital Infections

Congenital Infection Referrals

If you are a healthcare provider and looking for more information on patient referrals, visit our Congenital Infection Referral Guidelines page.

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Help Your Child Grow Up Stronger

Read about everything parents need to know about kids' health, straight from our experts at Children's National Hospital.

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