A 2-week-old male neonate has frequent generalized seizures and fails to thrive. Physical examination reveals facial dysmorphology, including cleft palate and low-set ears. A coronal section of the...

A 2-week-old male neonate has frequent generalized seizures and fails to thrive. Physical examination reveals facial dysmorphology, including cleft palate and low-set ears. A coronal section of the brain at autopsy is shown in the image. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this congenital birth defect?

(A) Bacterial meningitis

(B) Birth trauma

(C) Chromosomal abnormality

(D) Fetal alcohol syndrome

(E) TORCH syndrome