[Transplacental infection by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. Results of a retrospective serological study in France (author's transl)].

A study was made on the presence of antibodies against lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus in 452 children in the Lyon area who had suffered from either a major pathological condition or a congenital malformation at birth. Of 34 cases of congenital hydrocephalus, only one could be definitely attributed to a maternal infection with the virus, occurring between the 5th and 6th months of pregnancy. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus should thus be added to the list of those which are potentially teratogenic for the human species.