Delivery and survival of a malformed baby is a painful challenge, not only for the baby but also for the parents, doctors and the society. Though etiology behind this is largely unknown, however infectious etiologies cannot be ruled out that include viral, parasitic and bacterial. In this review it has been focussed on viral infections in human that are associated with congenital malformation. Human cytomegalovirus, Rubella virus, Varicella-Zoster virus and Herpes-Simplex Virus are among the major culprits. Here different aspects i.e. mechanism behind the malformation, clinical features, laboratory diagnosis , management as well as prophylactic measures that could be taken to prevent them have been summarized with maximum emphasis on the laboratory diagnosis of individual viral agent. As malformation cannot be reverted every effort should be meant to prevent it. This can be done by routine screening of susceptible females who want to conceive or are pregnant.

Key words: Congenital infection; Teratogenic; Viruses.