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Published on: July 6, 2013
Screening for Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in Newborns
Junfeng Zhang1, Jiajia Cao1, Qing Ye1
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou 310052, China.
Insights
Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection affects 1 in 200 newborns, often without symptoms. This study reviews CMV epidemiology, diagnosis, and newborn screening to improve detection and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a common yet underrecognized cause of congenital anomalies.
- It affects approximately 1 in 200 live births globally, with many infants asymptomatic at birth.
- Lack of awareness and screening programs contribute to delayed diagnosis and potential long-term sequelae like hearing loss and neurodevelopmental impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the current epidemiology of congenital CMV infection.
- To describe the clinical manifestations and diagnostic laboratory testing for congenital CMV.
- To review newborn screening approaches for congenital CMV.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological data on congenital CMV.
- Summary of clinical presentations and diagnostic methods, including molecular and serological tests.
- Analysis of current and proposed newborn screening strategies for congenital CMV.
Main Results:
- Congenital CMV is a significant global health concern, with a substantial number of infants at risk for adverse outcomes.
- Early diagnosis is challenging due to asymptomatic presentation in most newborns.
- Various laboratory tests are available for diagnosis, but standardization and accessibility remain issues.
- Newborn screening for CMV is not widely implemented, hindering early intervention.
Conclusions:
- Increased awareness and improved diagnostic strategies are crucial for congenital CMV.
- Effective newborn screening programs are needed to identify infected infants early.
- Timely intervention can mitigate the risk of long-term sequelae associated with congenital CMV infection.
Abstract:
Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is an underrecognized congenital infection. Globally, it impacts approximately 1 of every 200 live births. Although infected infants can have an increased risk of long-term sequelae, such as neurodevelopmental impairments and sensorineural hearing loss, most of the infected infants do not show visible signs at birth. As congenital cytomegalovirus infection often goes undetected and screening programs are not widely accepted, awareness of congenital cytomegalovirus in neonates is lacking. The aim of this study is to offer the current status of the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and laboratory testing for the diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection and newborn screening approaches.
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