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Congenital lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection: decade of rediscovery

L L Barton1, M B Mets

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Steele Memorial Children's Research Center, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85724, USA. llb@peds.arizona.edu

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|July 5, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a fetal teratogen often missed in infants with neurological issues. Early diagnosis using immunofluorescent antibody testing is crucial for affected newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Teratology
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is an underdiagnosed cause of congenital abnormalities.
  • LCMV infection can lead to significant fetal developmental issues, mimicking other congenital infections and syndromes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight LCMV as a critical, yet underrecognized, fetal teratogen.
  • To inform clinicians about the diagnostic considerations and potential misdiagnoses of congenital LCMV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches for congenital LCMV infection.
  • Discussion of differential diagnoses including toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and others.
  • Emphasis on the immunofluorescent antibody test as a key screening tool.

Main Results:

  • Congenital LCMV infection should be suspected in infants with unexplained hydrocephalus, microcephaly, macrocephaly, intracranial calcifications, chorioretinitis, and nonimmune hydrops.
  • The immunofluorescent antibody test is the primary available screening diagnostic method.
  • Congenital LCMV infection is frequently misdiagnosed as other congenital infections or genetic syndromes.

Conclusions:

  • Increased awareness of LCMV as a fetal teratogen is necessary among healthcare professionals and the public.
  • Further research is required to establish the prevalence of LCMV in human and rodent populations.
  • Prospective studies are needed to fully characterize the clinical spectrum of congenital LCMV infection and its long-term effects.

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