CMV Infection in Pregnancy

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common and serious congenital infection affecting between 1 to 4% of newborns. Congenital infections can occur after both primary and recurrent maternal infections and are the major cause of childhood deafness, visual impairment, mental retardation and motor spastic or convulsive syndromes. Ultrasound findings including IUGR, ventriculomegaly, brain and hepatic and bowel calcifications, polyhydramnios, hydrops fetalis and pleural effusions are helpful and can aid in the prenatal diagnosis and followup of congenital CMV infection. CMV hyperimmunoglobulin is safe, and may be an effective treatment to minimize the morbidity and mortality of fetal CMV disease. There is ongoing research into the development of an effective vaccine for the prevention of CMV infection during pregnancy.