Congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a condition that occurs when a baby is infected with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) before birth. This infection is a significant cause of hearing loss, developmental disabilities, and other long-term health problems in newborns. CMV is a common virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family, which includes the viruses that cause chickenpox, herpes simplex, and mononucleosis. Most CMV infections are asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms in healthy individuals, but the virus can cause severe disease in babies infected before birth and in people with weakened immune systems.

Transmission

Congenital CMV infection occurs when the virus is transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy. The virus can be passed to the unborn baby through the placenta. Women can become infected with CMV for the first time during pregnancy or can have a reactivation of the virus if they have been previously infected. In some cases, a woman may also be re-infected with a different strain of the virus.

Symptoms

Most babies born with congenital CMV infection are asymptomatic at birth, meaning they show no signs of the infection. However, some infants may present with symptoms that can include jaundice, rash, low birth weight, microcephaly (small head size), hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen), seizures, and retinitis (inflammation of the retina of the eye).

Long-term Health Problems

Children born with symptomatic congenital CMV infection are at a higher risk of developing long-term health problems. The most common of these is sensorineural hearing loss, which may be present at birth or develop later in childhood. Other potential long-term issues include intellectual disability, vision loss, cerebral palsy, and seizure disorders.

Diagnosis

Congenital CMV infection can be diagnosed by testing a newborn baby's saliva, urine, or blood for the presence of the virus. These tests are most accurate when performed within the first two to three weeks of life.

Prevention

Preventive measures for congenital CMV infection focus on reducing the risk of CMV transmission to pregnant women. These include practicing good hygiene, such as hand washing with soap and water, especially after changing diapers, blowing noses, or handling children's toys. Pregnant women should also avoid sharing food, drinks, and utensils with young children, who are common carriers of the virus.

Treatment

Treatment for congenital CMV infection may include antiviral medications, such as ganciclovir or valganciclovir, to treat or prevent the development of symptoms. These medications can have side effects, and their use is typically reserved for babies with symptomatic infection or those with a high risk of developing health problems.