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Pooling Saliva Sample as an Effective Strategy for the Systematic CMV Screening of Newborns-A Multicentric
Maria-Jesus Chasqueira1, Catarina Fernandez1, Augusta Marques1
1From the CHRC, NOVA Medical School, NMS, Universidade NOVA de Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|September 19, 2023
Summary
Newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus infection using saliva pooling is feasible. The study found a prevalence of 0.21%, but cost-effectiveness requires further evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Public Health
- Neonatal Screening
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the leading cause of congenital infections globally.
- Early detection through newborn screening allows for monitoring and intervention in asymptomatic cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of a saliva pool strategy for mass congenital cytomegalovirus screening in Portuguese hospitals.
- To determine the current prevalence of congenital CMV infection in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter study involving 7033 newborns screened between June 2020 and June 2022.
- Analysis of 704 saliva pools (10 samples each) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Confirmation of positive cases through individual PCR and urine testing.
Main Results:
- Out of 704 pools, 19 tested positive for CMV.
- 26 newborns had positive saliva results, with 15 confirmed by urine testing.
- The study determined a prevalence of 0.21% (95% CI: 0.12%-0.35%) for congenital CMV infection.
Conclusions:
- The saliva pool strategy is effective for systematic newborn screening.
- The observed low prevalence raises questions about the cost-effectiveness of universal screening.
- Prevalence may be influenced by pandemic-related control measures, necessitating post-pandemic studies for confirmation.
