[Cytomegalovirus infections and pregnancy]

Infection by Cytomegalovirus is one of the most common viral infections in obstetrics and gynaecology. Cytomegalovirus can be transmitted across placenta at any time during gestation, producing a spectrum of diseases within the newborn. The fetus is mainly involved through haematogenous spread of the virus from the mother during primary infection. Even if the mother has an antibody against cytomegalovirus it does not prevent congenital infection. First trimester infection is associated with significant congenital anomalies affecting the central nervous system and sensorial nerves. Infection of the neonate can occur through direct exposure to contaminated maternal genital tract and breast milk. Newborns affected with congenital anomalies and significant neurologic long-term sequelae. At the present time when it is almost impossible to prevent or to treat cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy, the most important antenatal control concerns detect ion and diagnosis of acute infection in the first trimester of gestation, as one of the highest pertinal risks.