[Cytomegalovirus infections during pregnancy]

The incidence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in France reaches approximately 1,500 infants per year, leading either to death during the first days of life or severe neurosensorial sequellae. This public health problem is of particular importance since primary infections, with the most severe consequences resulting from infections occurring during the first trimester of pregnancy, usually have no clinical manifestations. Viral culture of the amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis is required for diagnosis. Ultrasonography can detect malformations. In some of the most severe cases early termination of pregnancy is justified, but the prognosis in less severe cases is not clearly determined. Currently, no in utero treatment has been shown to be effective.