Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection

Overview

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) belongs to the herpesvirus family. Its distribution is ubiquitous in man and many othermammals. CMV causes a typical cytopathic effect with enlargement of the cells that contain intranuclear andcytoplasmic inclusions. CMV is spread directly or by a contact with secretions. Nosocomial transmission can occurduring blood transfusion or organ transplantation. Virus excretion after infection continues for a long time. CMV isthe most frequent cause of congenital infections (1–2 % children). A foetal infection can lead to a preterm labour.Most of CMV congenital infections are benign, only a small proportion of children develop a disease withsensorineural hearing loss or a life threatening multiorgan disease. The diagnosis can be done on the basis ofidentification of specific antibodies, virus cultivation and PCR from urine, saliva, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid. Anantiviral drug ganciclovir can be used for treatment. Anti-CMV vaccines are under the development. Three cases ofa congenital CMV infection are described in the paper.

Key words:
CMV, congenital cytomegalovirus infection.