Congenital and Postnatal Cytomegalovirus: Case Series and State of the Science for Neonatal Providers

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a beta-herpes virus, is the most common viral infection in infants. Transmission may occur congenitally (cCMV) or postnatally (pCMV). Early detection and intervention are crucial in reducing morbidities, notable developmental delays, and sensorineural hearing loss. However, more than 90% of infants are asymptomatic at birth. Treatment involves intravenous ganciclovir or the oral prodrug, valganciclovir, drugs usually reserved for use with symptomatic infants because of the toxicity profile. Research currently supports standardized antenatal CMV screening and treatment of affected pregnant patients with hyperimmune globulin as well as vaccination against CMV in unaffected pregnant patients, although widespread adoption is lacking. Standardized postnatal CMV screening is a proven, cost-effective way to detect and diagnose CMV and optimize outcomes across the lifespan. This article presents a case series of cCMV and pCMV and a review of the state of science of CMV as well as promising scientific advances that are on the horizon.