Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
[Primary cytomegalovirus infection in the postnatal period]
K A Bergman1, C A Benne, R A Doedens
1Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Beatrix Kinderkliniek, Postbus 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen. k.a.bergman@bkk.umcg.nl
Insights
Extremely premature infants are at high risk for serious complications from Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection acquired through breast milk. Early postnatal CMV infection can lead to significant health issues in these vulnerable neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Extremely premature infants face numerous surgical and medical challenges.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a significant concern in neonatal intensive care units.
- Postnatal CMV transmission via breast milk poses a risk to vulnerable neonates.
Observation:
- A male infant born at 25 4/7 weeks gestation experienced multiple surgical interventions and postoperative complications, including oesophageal atresia repair and persistent ductus arteriosus closure.
- The infant developed severe complications such as mediastinitis, sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy, and periventricular hemorrhage.
- At three months, cholestatic jaundice attributed to CMV infection acquired through breast milk occurred, with subsequent mild psychomotor impairment noted at two years.
Findings:
- Postnatal Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection acquired through breast milk can cause serious illness in extremely premature infants.
- CMV reactivation during lactation in seropositive mothers presents a high transmission risk.
- Early postnatal CMV infection in extremely premature neonates is linked to severe health disorders and developmental delays.
Implications:
- Screening and preventative strategies for CMV in breast milk are crucial for extremely premature infants.
- Understanding the risks of postnatal CMV transmission is vital for neonatal care protocols.
- This case highlights the potential for severe outcomes from CMV infection in extremely premature neonates, emphasizing the need for vigilance and tailored management.
Abstract:
A male infant born vaginally after a gestation period of 25 4/7 weeks with a birth weight of 875 g underwent surgical correction for oesophageal atresia with a distal tracheo-oesophageal fistula. Postoperative complications included seam leakage, mediastinitis with sepsis, transient elevated diaphragm, recurrent fistula and seam stenosis. Persistent ductus arteriosus was closed surgically. The further course of disease was characterised by periventricular haemorrhage, recurrent infections, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy. Anaemia caused by the premature birth and frequent blood sampling necessitated multiple transfusions of filtered, Cytomegalovirus(CMV)-free erythrocyte concentrate. At the age of 3 months, the patient developed cholestatic jaundice that was attributed to a CMV infection contracted through breast milk. The patient recovered spontaneously. At the age of 2 years, the patient had mildly impaired psychomotor development. Reactivation of CMV during lactation is common in CMV-seropositive women. This carries a high risk of transmission of the virus through breast milk, especially for extremely premature neonates. In these infants, an early acquired postnatal CMV infection may lead to serious disorders.
More Related Videos
05:51Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain
Published on: July 24, 2016
08:08qPCR Is a Sensitive and Rapid Method for Detection of Cytomegaloviral DNA in Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Biopsy Tissue
Published on: July 9, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease
Poliomyelitis