Maternal immunosuppression and cytomegalovirus infection of the fetus

Prenatal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection associated with severe brain damage was detected in an infant whose mother had been treated with prednisolone and azathioprine for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Serology showed that maternal CMV infection had been acquired at least four months before pregnancy. Screening for CMV infection in pregnant women receiving immunosuppressive drugs is recommended.