[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.

Related Concept Videos

Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...