This article reviews the literature on infectious diseases as a cause of stillbirth. Identifying a
specific infection as a cause of stillbirth is limited by many obstacles. Nevertheless,“good
faith” efforts estimate that approximately 9% to 15% of stillbirths are caused by infections.
Infection may be especially important as a cause of stillbirth occurring early in pregnancy.
Recognized causes include syphilis, toxoplasmosis, parvovirus B-19, chorioamnionitis, and
Listeria monocytogenes. Other organisms that are “purported to cause” stillbirth include the …