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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
05:53

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates

Published on: July 6, 2013

Role of cytomegalovirus in inducing congenital anomalies

A A Shaaban1, T A Abdel-Raoof, M A Mohamed

  • 1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo.

The Journal of the Egyptian Public Health Association
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus IgM antibodies (CMV IgM) were detected in 6 out of 68 infants, suggesting a potential role in congenital anomalies. Asymptomatic CMV infections in controls highlight the need for ongoing infant monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a leading cause of non-genetic congenital anomalies.
  • Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing potential long-term sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of cytomegalovirus IgM antibodies (CMV IgM) in newborns with congenital anomalies.
  • To explore the association between CMV IgM and specific congenital anomalies like microcephaly, cerebral palsy, and jaundice.

Main Methods:

  • Serum samples from 68 infants (55 with congenital anomalies, 13 controls) were analyzed.
  • Microassay ELISA technique was employed to detect CMV IgM antibodies.

Main Results:

  • CMV IgM antibodies were found in 6 out of 68 infants (8.8% overall).
  • Four congenital anomaly cases (7.3%) and two control cases (15.4%) tested positive for CMV IgM.
  • Jaundiced infants showed higher CMV IgM positivity (14.3%) compared to microcephalic (5.9%) and cerebral palsy (0%) groups.

Conclusions:

  • The study suggests a potential link between CMV infection and congenital anomalies, particularly jaundice.
  • Asymptomatic CMV infections in healthy infants warrant close follow-up due to potential long-term risks like hearing or vision impairment.
  • Continuous monitoring of infants with asymptomatic CMV infection is essential for early management of potential developmental abnormalities.

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