[Some important clinical aspects of cytomegalovirus infection]

Some important aspects of human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection were discussed from a clinical point of view. Congenital infection: The mass-screening of pregnant women is not justified at present, mainly because of limited value of diagnostic methods for detecting fetal infection and unavailability of effective measure for prevention. Extensive diagnostic approach and intrauterine therapy may be applicable in the case of intrauterine growth retardation or abnormal ultrasonographic findings.

The demonstration of viral antigens in peripheral blood leukocytes has been proven to be a useful tool for monitoring organ transplant recipients for the early diagnosis of CMV disease, timely application of antiviral therapy and evaluating the efficacy of the treatment. However, this method is not a valid support for detecting CMV disease due to perinatal infection.

FUTURE PROSPECTS of research may include investigations for the possible pathogenic role of chronic CMV infection in diseases of unknown etiology such as diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, ischemic heart disease, autoimmune diseases, or cancers especially in cervix, prostate and rectum.