What infection can cause severe developmental issues, including intellectual disabilities, in babies if contracted by the mother during pregnancy?

The correct response is based on the understanding that congenital rubella syndrome occurs when a pregnant woman contracts rubella, particularly during the first trimester. This infection can lead to severe consequences for the developing fetus, including a range of significant developmental issues such as intellectual disabilities, auditory and visual impairments, heart defects, and other physical abnormalities. The timing of the infection is crucial, as the earlier in the pregnancy the mother contracts rubella, the more severe the potential effects on the fetus.

In contrast, the other options refer to infections that have different implications for pregnancy. Maternal listeriosis can affect the baby's health but does not specifically lead to the broad range of developmental disabilities associated with rubella. Congenital SARS could potentially pose risks, but it is still an emerging area of study and is not as historically recognized for severe developmental impact as congenital rubella. Encephalitis, while serious, is not a primary concern related to maternal infections and developmental disabilities during pregnancy; rather, it is more of an umbrella term describing inflammation of the brain often due to viral infections and is not directly associated with in utero transmission leading to intellectual disabilities in the same way that rubella is.