Perinatal Cytomegalovirus Infection

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection affects newborns, with increasing recognition of long-term complications.
• Postnatal CMV (pCMV) in preterm infants is emerging as a concern for acute and chronic health issues.
• Advances in diagnostics and treatment necessitate updated clinical guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent developments in congenital CMV (cCMV) and postnatal CMV (pCMV) infections.
• To highlight new findings on cCMV complications and pCMV sequelae in preterm infants.
• To discuss current strategies and future directions for prevention and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on cCMV and pCMV.
• Analysis of data on antiviral efficacy and safety.
• Synthesis of findings on clinical manifestations and long-term outcomes.

Main Results:

• High-dose valacyclovir shows promise for preventing cCMV in pregnant women.
• Children with cCMV exhibit significant rates of vestibular and neuropsychiatric issues.
• pCMV is associated with neurodevelopmental delay and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low birth weight infants.

Conclusions:

• Maternal education, antiviral therapy, and newborn screening are key for managing cCMV.
• Further research is needed to understand and mitigate long-term effects of pCMV in preterm infants.
• Developing a CMV vaccine remains a critical goal for public health.