Universal Screening for Congenital CMV Infection

Abstract

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an important public health problem. It is a leading cause of disability in children. Congenitally infected neo- nates often appear asymptomatic at birth or have nonspecific symptoms. An early diagnosis and subsequent early antiviral therapy associated to nonpharmacologi- cal therapy (e.g., hearing rehabilitation, speech-language therapy, and cochlear implants) can reduce long-term disability. Much research has been done in this field, but further studies are still necessary. Looking back at the most recent papers, we will draw a review on this topic trying to answer to the question: could universal CMV screening be a useful and cost-effective diagnostic tool?