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Congenital CMV infection: prevalence in newborns and the impact on hearing deficit

Mona-Lisa Engman1, Gunilla Malm, Lotta Engstrom

  • 1Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden. mona-lisa.engman@ki.se

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|August 23, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, often asymptomatic in newborns, significantly increases the risk of hearing loss. Early detection and surveillance are crucial for managing potential long-term health impacts in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Audiology

Background:

  • Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common in newborns, with most cases being asymptomatic.
  • A significant minority of infected infants (10-20%) develop long-term sequelae, primarily hearing deficits.
  • The impact of congenital CMV on child health can be easily underestimated due to the lack of neonatal symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of congenital CMV infection in a Swedish newborn population.
  • To investigate the association between congenital CMV infection and the risk of hearing deficit in newborns.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of dried blood spot (DBS) samples from 6060 newborns using TaqMan-based real-time PCR for CMV DNA.
  • Hearing deficit assessment via otoacoustic emission (OAE) as part of a routine newborn screening program.
  • Follow-up for ocular complications over three years.

Main Results:

  • Congenital CMV infection was detected in 0.2% (12 out of 6060) of newborns.
  • One infected infant developed unilateral hearing loss, indicating a substantially increased risk (approximately 20-fold) of hearing deficit.
  • No ocular complications, such as chorioretinopathy, were observed in the follow-up period.

Conclusions:

  • Congenital CMV infection poses a significant risk for hearing impairment in infants, even when asymptomatic at birth.
  • Routine surveillance for congenital CMV is essential, complementing existing newborn screening and prevention programs.
  • Early identification and management are vital for mitigating the long-term health consequences of congenital CMV.

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