Congenital cytomegalovirus infection | |
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Micrograph of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the placenta (CMV placentitis). The characteristic large nucleus of a CMV infected cell is seen off-centre at the bottom-right of the image. H&E stain | |
Specialty | Pediatrics |
Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in a newborn baby.[1] Most have no symptoms.[1] Some affected babies are small.[1] Other signs and symptoms include a rash, jaundice, hepatomegaly, retinitis, and seizures.[1][2] It may lead to loss of hearing or vision, developmental disability, or a small head.[1]
CMV is a member of the virus family herpesviridae and is the most common congenital intrauterine infection.[3] cCMV is caused when a mother is infected with CMV in pregnancy and passes it to her unborn baby.[1] The risk of severe disease is greatest if the mother is infected in early pregnancy; most have no symptoms.[2] Diagnosis is by tests in the first 3-weeks after birth; on preferably urine, although saliva and blood can be used.[1][2] The chance of infection is reduced by hand washing, and avoiding touching saliva or urine of very young children.[1]
Worldwide the condition is common, and likely underreported.[4]