Generalized cytomegalic inclusion disease in neonates and infants

Cytomegalic inclusion disease (C.M.I.) is caused by the salivary gland virus which is species-specific, and characterized by formation of inclusion-bearing cells in various organs. From the view point of spreading, it is divided into the localized and generalized type. We studied 18 generalized cases of infants in whom inclusion-bearing cells were detected in more than three organs. As to the portal of entry and the time of infection, cytomegalic inclusion disease can be classified into three subgroups in infants; congenital form (2 cases), early acquired form (8 cases) and acquired form with other debilitating diseases (8 cases).