Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026
05:22
Ex vivo Culture of Human Placental Explants for the Study of Viral Transmission Across the Maternal-Fetal Interface
Published on: December 30, 2025
[Cytomegalovirus and pregnancy: Challenges and perspectives]
Charles Egloff1,2,3, Christelle Vauloup-Fellous3,4,5,6, Olivier Picone1,2,7,8,3
1Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, hôpital Louis-Mourier, AP-HP, Colombes, France.
La Revue Du Praticien
|July 13, 2026
Summary
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy is the main cause of congenital neurosensory impairment. Early screening and treatments like valacyclovir can reduce transmission, with new antivirals and vaccines in development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a Herpesviridae family member, is the primary infectious cause of congenital neurosensory impairment.
- Effective management during pregnancy is crucial for preventing severe infant outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key clinical aspects for managing CMV during pregnancy.
- To discuss future challenges, perspectives, and emerging therapies for CMV infection.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent clinical evidence on valacyclovir efficacy in reducing maternal-fetal CMV transmission.
- Analysis of health-economic evaluations supporting systematic first-trimester CMV screening.
- Inclusion of data on emerging antivirals and vaccine research.
Main Results:
- Valacyclovir shows efficacy in reducing CMV maternal-fetal transmission post-seroconversion.
- Health-economic evaluations support systematic first-trimester CMV screening.
- France recommends routine CMV screening for pregnant women (negative/unknown serostatus) from June 2025.
Conclusions:
- Systematic CMV screening in early pregnancy is recommended, despite limitations in addressing secondary infections.
- Emerging antivirals (valganciclovir, letermovir) and vaccine research offer future management potential.
- Proactive management strategies are essential for mitigating congenital CMV sequelae.
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