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Congenital and perinatal cytomegalovirus infections
C A Alford1, S Stagno, R F Pass
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Alabama Birmingham 35294.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes common congenital and perinatal infections globally. This review covers CMV
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a prevalent global pathogen.
- Congenital CMV affects 1% of live births in developed nations, higher in developing countries.
- Perinatal CMV transmission occurs via birth, breast milk, and blood transfusion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, immunology, and therapeutics of CMV infections in pregnant women and neonates.
- To highlight CMV as a significant global public health concern.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological data.
- Analysis of clinical case studies and outcomes.
- Examination of immunological responses to CMV.
- Assessment of current and emerging therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- CMV is the leading cause of congenital and perinatal viral infections worldwide.
- Symptomatic CMV infections pose a substantial public health risk.
- Subclinical infections are more common but symptomatic cases are severe.
Conclusions:
- CMV infections in pregnant women and newborns require comprehensive understanding and management.
- Further research into prevention and treatment is crucial for public health.
- Effective control strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of CMV.
Abstract:
Cytomegalovirus is the most common cause of congenital and perinatal viral infections throughout the world. Congenital infection occurs in 1% of all live births in developed countries and in an even higher percentage in developing nations. As a result of transmission during birth, by breast milk, and by blood transfusion, perinatal infections are much more prevalent than congenital infections. The vast majority of these infections are chronic, subclinical forms, but symptomatic infections are sufficiently prevalent and dangerous to represent a major unsolved public health problem throughout the world. In this review the epidemiologic, clinical, immunologic, and therapeutic facets of cytomegaloviral infections in pregnant women and their offspring will be discussed.