[CMV infections of the neonate: prevalence, diagnosis, therapy]

Infections with cytomegalovirus (CMV) are still a challenge for obstetricians as well as pediatricians. CMV is the most common congenital virus infection. In the case of a primary infection, the fetus of a seronegative pregnant woman is exposed to the risk of permanent organ damage. The intrauterine transmission rate in CMV-seropositive women is low but postnatal reactivation and transmission by breast milk occur more frequently, especially in premature babies. In this review we discuss the consequences of intrauterine and postpartum transmission from a neonatological point of view. With regard to the severity of the symptoms and possible long-term consequences, the time of infection with CMV is of great importance. Prevalence, diagnostic tools, and possible options for treatment or prevention differ for each mode of CMV infection.