Cytomegalovirus infection in pregnancy: should all women be screened?

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection and complicates approximately 1% of all live births. Primary maternal CMV infection carries a 30% to 40% risk of vertical transmission to the fetus. In cases where maternal CMV infection is suspected, it is important to evaluate the risk to the fetus to provide appropriate counseling and guidance to parents. This article reviews the published literature and summarizes current diagnostic and management recommendations to help answer the question, should all women be screened for CMV infection in pregnancy?

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