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Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
Public health and laboratory considerations regarding newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus
Sheila C Dollard1, Mark R Schleiss, Scott D Grosse
1National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. sgd5@cdc.gov
Insights
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common newborn issue causing disabilities. Early detection through newborn screening (NBS) could identify more cases and prevent long-term health problems.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent infection in newborns globally.
- It leads to significant neurological disabilities, including hearing loss, in 15-20% of affected infants.
- Current newborn hearing screening misses many cases due to late-onset hearing loss, delaying diagnosis and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of including congenital CMV in national newborn screening (NBS) programs.
- To highlight the public health importance of congenital CMV as a leading cause of infant disability.
- To discuss the challenges and necessity of further consideration for congenital CMV screening.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review and discussion of existing data on congenital CMV prevalence and impact.
- It analyzes the suitability of congenital CMV for inclusion in NBS programs.
- It identifies obstacles to implementing screening and follow-up protocols.
Main Results:
- Congenital CMV is more prevalent than many disorders currently included in NBS.
- A substantial portion of CMV-related disabilities remain undetected due to limitations in current screening methods.
- Late-onset hearing loss is a significant factor contributing to missed diagnoses.
Conclusions:
- Congenital CMV infection presents a compelling case for inclusion in national newborn screening (NBS).
- Overcoming challenges such as the lack of standardized testing and follow-up protocols is crucial for implementation.
- Further consideration and research are warranted to establish effective screening and management strategies for congenital CMV.
Abstract:
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common infection in newborns worldwide and causes hearing loss and other neurological disability in 15-20% of infected infants. Only about half of the hearing loss resulting from congenital CMV infection is currently detected by universal newborn hearing screening because of late-onset hearing loss. Thus, much of the hearing loss and the majority of other CMV-associated disabilities remain undetected for years after birth and are never connected to CMV infection. Congenital CMV may be appropriate to include in national newborn screening (NBS) programs because it is more common than other disorders tested for by NBS programs and is a major cause of disability. Significant obstacles to the implementation of screening for congenital CMV include the lack of a standardized, high-throughput screening test and a protocol for follow-up of CMV-infected children. Nonetheless, screening newborns for congenital CMV infection merits further consideration.
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