Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026
05:53
Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
15.5K
Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection
Monika L Dietrich1, John S Schieffelin1
1Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
Ochsner Journal
|July 2, 2019
Summary
Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is a major cause of non-genetic hearing loss and neurodevelopmental issues. Early diagnosis via PCR and targeted valganciclovir treatment for symptomatic infants are key, though awareness and vaccines are still needed.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the primary cause of non-genetic congenital hearing loss globally.
- It is also a leading contributor to neurodevelopmental disabilities in infants.
- The incidence in the US is around 0.6%-0.7%, affecting infants from both seropositive and seronegative mothers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV).
- To summarize its epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cCMV epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Analysis of diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy data.
Main Results:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on urine or saliva within 3 weeks of birth is the preferred diagnostic method.
- Valganciclovir treatment for 6 months is recommended for moderately to severely symptomatic neonates; asymptomatic infants are not treated.
- All infected infants require screening for hearing loss and neurodevelopmental sequelae; universal screening may be cost-effective.
Conclusions:
- Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) represents a significant global health burden, exceeding that of many other known diseases.
- While advances in prevention and treatment are emerging, enhanced awareness among healthcare providers and the public is crucial.
- No vaccine is currently available, but several candidates are in development.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Infection
12.0K
When a pathogen enters the body and reproduces, it can cause an infection, damage body cells, and cause illness symptoms that eventually lead to disease. Therefore, its prevention requires breaking the chain of infection.
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
12.0K
01:26Stages of Infection
65.1K
Stages of infection describe what happens to a susceptible host once a pathogen invades the human body. The stages of infection are incubation, prodromal, illness, stage of decline, and convalescence. The incubation stage is the period from exposure to a pathogen until symptoms start. The infected person is unaware of impending illness as the pathogens grow and multiply within the body. The duration may vary depending on the type of infection. The incubation period of measles averages ten to...
65.1K
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
954
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
954
01:26Defense Mechanism Against Infection
9.3K
Natural flora, body system defenses, and inflammation are natural barriers of the body against infectious agents regardless of previous exposure. Normal floras of the human body refer to the microbial population that colonizes the skin and mucous membranes.
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
In addition, many body organ systems have unique defenses against infection. The skin is an intact, multilayered surface preventing invasion by microorganisms unless impaired. Mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, and eyelids are barriers...
9.3K
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
13.3K
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
13.3K
01:26Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction
589
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) impact various parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These infections are generally bacterial, with Escherichia coli being the most common causative agent, often originating from the gastrointestinal tract. However, other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis, are also known to cause UTIs. The type, location, and underlying complexity of the UTI guide both...
589