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Updated: May 13, 2026

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
05:53

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates

Published on: July 6, 2013

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection: new prospects for prevention and therapy

Elizabeth C Swanson1, Mark R Schleiss

  • 1Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|March 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common congenital infection. Antiviral therapy can reduce long-term disabilities in symptomatic newborns, and a vaccine could prevent future neurologic issues.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent congenital viral infection globally.
  • Congenital CMV affects approximately 0.6% of newborns, with 10% exhibiting symptoms at birth.
  • Symptomatic infants face significant risks of lifelong neurologic sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of congenital cytomegalovirus infection.
  • To highlight the benefits of antiviral therapy for symptomatic newborns.
  • To emphasize the potential of a preconceptual CMV vaccine.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on congenital CMV infection prevalence and outcomes.
  • Analysis of the efficacy of antiviral treatments in affected infants.
  • Discussion of preventative strategies, including vaccination.

Main Results:

  • Congenital CMV infection can lead to severe neurologic deficits such as hearing loss, developmental delay, and cerebral palsy.
  • Antiviral therapy demonstrably reduces the risk of these long-term disabilities.
  • A preconceptual vaccine holds promise for preventing CMV-related sequelae.

Conclusions:

  • Early antiviral intervention is crucial for infants with symptomatic congenital CMV.
  • Preventing congenital CMV through vaccination is a key strategy for mitigating neurologic sequelae.

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