Can a viral infection cause liver function damage in newborns?

Generally, viral infections may cause liver function damage in newborns. If necessary, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention. The detailed explanation is as follows:

The immune system of newborns has not fully developed, making them relatively more susceptible to viral infections. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to viruses that target the liver, such as cytomegalovirus and hepatitis B virus. Once these viruses enter a newborn's body, they rapidly replicate and infect liver cells. During the infection process, the viruses interfere with the normal metabolic activities of liver cells, leading to damage or death of hepatocytes. Damaged liver cells are unable to perform their normal physiological functions, thus affecting the overall liver function.

Viral infections may also trigger immune responses in the body, further exacerbating liver damage. When the liver is infected by a virus, the body initiates an immune response to eliminate the virus. However, this immune response can also harm liver cells. Especially when the immune response is excessive, large amounts of inflammatory factors and cytotoxic substances are released, which directly attack liver cells, causing more severe liver dysfunction.

In daily life, parents should avoid taking newborns to crowded and poorly ventilated places to reduce the risk of viral infection.