Overview of Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Most common fetal viral infection in developed countries.
- Approximately 0.6% of newborn infants in the US and Europe are congenitally infected, with around 20% showing symptoms or long-term sequelae.
- Transmission rate during primary maternal infection is approximately 50%.
- Humans are the only natural host for CMV.
- Transmission occurs via saliva, urine, semen, or cervical secretions.
- Maternal symptoms range from asymptomatic to mild flu-like illness or mononucleosis-like syndrome.
Risk and Timing of Transmission
- Highest risk of fetal transmission during the first half of pregnancy.
- Preconceptual maternal seropositivity significantly reduces but does not completely prevent fetal infection.
- About 1% fetal transmission occurs through maternal reactivation or infection with a new CMV strain.
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